United States versus Paraguay
- Kick-off:
- Stadium: SoFi Stadium · Los Angeles, United States
United States
The United States enter the 2026 tournament as one of three co-hosts and as a program transformed since the 2018 qualifying disaster. Mauricio Pochettino took the bench in late 2024, becoming the first elite European coach to lead the senior side. The squad core is fully European-tested: Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Tyler Adams, Yunus Musah, and Sergiño Dest. Folarin Balogun gives the front line a finisher's edge. Group D with Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye is favourable; first place feels mandatory for a host. The pressure now is to convert home advantage into the first deep run in nearly a century — anything short of the quarter-finals would feel like a disappointment.
Paraguay
Paraguay return to the tournament for the first time since 2010 — that famous quarter-final run ended only by Spain on a Villa goal. Gustavo Alfaro, the experienced Argentine, took charge in 2024 and immediately stabilised qualification. Miguel Almirón provides creativity from the wing; centre-back Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras) is the captain and tactical leader; Antonio Sanabria leads the line. La Albirroja's identity has always been compactness and counter-attack — qualities that will serve them well in Group D against the United States, Australia and Türkiye. Knockout-round qualification is a realistic target; Paraguay's defensive structure could see them play spoiler against the host nation in the group decider.
SoFi Stadium
SoFi Stadium hosts eight matches in 2026, including a quarter-final, anchoring the tournament's presence on the United States' Pacific coast. Located in Inglewood, Los Angeles County, the venue opened in 2020 at a cost exceeding $5 billion — the most expensive sports facility ever built. Capacity for football is approximately 70,240, expandable to 100,000 for special events. The fixed-roof translucent canopy keeps the playing surface shielded from sun and rain while allowing natural light. The pitch was converted from artificial turf to a temporary natural-grass system specifically for the tournament. Climate: dry, warm Mediterranean summer with predictable conditions and minimal rain — among the most reliable weather in the host country. SoFi's status as home to the Rams and Chargers gives it built-in operational expertise for major events.