USA vs. Paraguay Projected Starting Lineups: Starting 11 For USA’s Opening Match

The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues Thursday as the United States and Paraguay begin their tournament campaigns in a matchup that could have significant implications in the battle to advance from the group stage.

The United States enter the contest as favorites and will look to capitalize on a talented core that combines international experience with attacking firepower. Paraguay, meanwhile, bring a disciplined and physical squad capable of frustrating opponents and will be eager to secure a positive result in their opening match.

With both teams looking to start their World Cup journey on the right foot, the early stages could prove critical as each side attempts to establish momentum and avoid an immediate setback.

USA Projected Starting Lineup

The United States are expected to deploy an aggressive setup built around a dynamic midfield and several attacking playmakers. Matt Freese is projected to start in goal behind a three-man back line consisting of Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, and Chris Richards.

Wing-backs Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson should provide width on both sides, allowing the Americans to push numbers forward while still maintaining defensive balance. In midfield, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie are expected to control the center of the pitch, combining ball-winning ability with progressive passing.

Further forward, Christian Pulisic and Malik Tillman will operate behind striker Folarin Balogun. Pulisic remains the focal point of the attack and one of the most dangerous players in the tournament, while Balogun’s finishing ability gives the United States a consistent goal-scoring threat.

• GK: Matt Freese
• CB: Mark McKenzie
• CB: Tim Ream
• CB: Chris Richards
• RWB: Sergiño Dest
• LWB: Antonee Robinson
• CM: Tyler Adams
• CM: Weston McKennie
• AM: Christian Pulisic
• AM: Malik Tillman
• ST: Folarin Balogun

Paraguay Predicted Starting 11

Paraguay are expected to line up in a balanced formation that emphasizes defensive organization while creating opportunities through quick transitions and experienced attacking players.

Gatito Fernández should start in goal behind a back four of Juan José Cáceres, Gustavo Gómez, Omar Alderete, and Junior Alonso. The veteran defensive group brings plenty of international experience and physicality to the matchup.

In midfield, Andrés Cubas will anchor the center of the pitch alongside Kaku, while Diego Gómez and Mauricio provide energy and creativity from the wide areas. Paraguay will likely look to remain compact defensively before springing forward on the counterattack.

The attacking duo of Antonio Sanabria and Miguel Almirón gives Paraguay proven quality in the final third. Almirón’s pace and movement can create problems in transition, while Sanabria provides a reliable finishing option inside the penalty area.

• GK: Gatito Fernández
• RB: Juan José Cáceres
• CB: Gustavo Gómez
• CB: Omar Alderete
• LB: Junior Alonso
• CM: Andrés Cubas
• CM: Kaku
• RW: Diego Gómez
• LW: Mauricio
• ST: Antonio Sanabria
• ST: Miguel Almirón

Team News & Key Absences

Neither side enters the tournament opener with major injury concerns, allowing both managers to field lineups close to full strength.

The United States will rely on the leadership of Adams, McKennie, and Pulisic, while Paraguay will look to experienced veterans such as Gómez, Almirón, and Fernández to guide the team through a difficult opening matchup.

With both squads expected to have their preferred starters available, execution in key moments could prove decisive.

Match Outlook & Resources

The United States enter the match as favorites thanks to their depth, athleticism, and attacking talent. Pulisic, Balogun, and Tillman give the Americans multiple ways to create scoring opportunities, while Dest and Robinson provide dangerous overlapping runs from wide areas.

Paraguay, however, have the defensive structure and experience to make life difficult for any opponent. If Almirón and Sanabria can capitalize on counterattacking chances and the midfield can disrupt the United States’ rhythm, Paraguay have the tools to challenge for points.

With valuable group-stage points at stake and both teams eager to make a strong first impression, expect a competitive contest where individual moments of quality could ultimately determine the outcome.