Published Jun 8, 5:50am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jun 8, 5:50am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Jun 8, 5:50am ET
The USA will be in action for the first time during their home World Cup on June 12, as Mauricio Pochettino’s side hosts Paraguay in California on June 12.
All of the pressure will be on the USMNT, who have shown high quality in recent warm-up matches against Germany and Senegal. But, delivering on the biggest stage will now be their big challenge.
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|
|---|---|
| USA | +101 |
| DRAW | +247 |
| Paraguay | +302 |
Mauricio Pochettino was appointed with the World Cup in mind, and there will be major pressure on the coach to deliver an inspired performance this summer.
The USA have reached the round of 16 in three of the last four editions of the tournament, with their best showing coming in 1930 when finishing third. Performances this year have improved, competing against highly-ranked nations such as Germany and Portugal.
However, it would be a slight concern that their only win in four was achieved against Senegal. Overall, the USA have won five of their last ten. Christian Pulisic will be a key man on MD1, while Folarin Balogun has scored four goals in his last ten internationals.
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Paraguay will be playing in their ninth World Cup this summer, and it will be their first appearance since reaching the quarterfinals in 2010.
Gustavo Alfaro’s team performed to a high standard in qualifying, winning seven of their 18 matches, and losing just four times. Confidence within the camp should be high after winning three of their last four, which includes a win on U.S. turf against Mexico at the end of last year.
Defensively, they have been reliable in 2026, keeping clean sheets in wins over Greece and Guatemala.
The USA will have huge pressure on their shoulders to win on MD1 in Group D. Paraguay’s defensive prowess will ensure that this is a cagey affair, but we could foresee the USMNT getting off to a dream start with a 1-0 win in California.
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Pick
USA (+101)
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