USA look to make their mark
United States will look to make their mark as co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they open Group D with a clash against Paraguay at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday morning (13 June), kick-off at 3am CAT.
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USA completed their preparations for the tournament on Saturday when they suffered a 1-2 defeat at the hands of heavyweights Germany in a friendly in Chicago.
Antonee Robinson cancelled out Kai Havertz’s early strike, but a goal from Leroy Sane just before the hour mark secured victory for the Europeans – and gave the Stars and Stripes a reminder of the level they will need to meet if they are to go deep in this tournament.
The United States will be appearing at their 12th World Cup. Their best appearance was in 1930 when they were ranked third overall, while their top ‘modern day’ showing came in 2002 when they reached the quarterfinals.
Paraguay have played just one warm-up friendly, defeating Nicaragua 4-0 in Asuncion on Saturday thanks to goals from Kaku, Miguel Almiron, Matias Galarza and Alex Maidana.
The result was confidence-inspiring, but came at a cost, with key forward Julio Enciso sustaining an injury that has made him a doubt for this clash against the US.
Los Guaranies will be appearing at their ninth World Cup, and a first since 2010. Reaching the quarterfinals in South Africa 16 years ago was their best showing on the global stage.
WHAT THE TEAMS ARE SAYING
USA coach Mauricio Pochettino after the defeat to Germany: “Overall, I think it was a good performance. I am happy with the performance of everyone. We played one of the most important teams in the world. I think we need to be happy with that. We competed; we were unlucky; I think it was an even game.”
Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro says his team has nothing to lose after more than a decade and a half away from the World Cup: “We don't have expectations, we have hope. I know what this country feels, I know what 16 long years of waiting, frustration, sorrow and curses are like, what it's like to watch a World Cup on television. I'm not going to ask any Paraguayan to be rational."
HEAD-TO-HEAD
In head-to-head terms, USA and Paraguay have met in nine previous matches dating back as far as their first meeting in the 1930 World Cup (which the Americans won 3-0).
The Stars and Stripes have claimed five wins compared to two for Los Guaraníes, while two games have been drawn.
The teams’ most recent meeting was a friendly in Pennsylvania in November last year which the USA won 2-1 thanks to goals from Gio Reyna and Folarin Balogun.
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