9.
03:13
Yellow card for Gustavo Gómez (Paraguay)
7.
03:09
Tooor for USA, 1-0 by Damián Bobadilla (own goal)
After less than seven minutes, the USA takes the lead! After winning the ball in midfield, Weston McKennie drives the ball forward before passing the ball to Christian Pulišić on the left. With a physical illusion, the attacker lets two defenders get out before the ball comes back to McKennie somewhat happily. Midfield strategist Folarin Balogun wants to serve from ten meters, at the level of the left post. But instead of finding his compatriot, Damián Bobadilla unfortunately brings the ball towards his own goal, with Orlando Gill no longer able to react quickly enough, so they take the lead.
6.
03:08
In the early stages, both teams tried to outplay the midfield quickly, so that both the USA and Paraguay started the game with a lot of speed.
3.
03:06
It’s happening in quick succession! The Americans also found their way forward and Weston McKennie finished from around 13 meters. His shot is deflected by Gustavo Gómez, allowing Orlando Gill to grab the ball without any problems.
2.
03:05
After a long strike forward, Antonio Sanabria is able to secure the ball in the opponent’s penalty area before passing it back to Diego Gómez. This goes to the left baseline before looking for a shot from seven meters. Matt Freese throws up his left hand and can prevent the impact.
1.
03:03
So we can start about two minutes late. The USA kicks off and acts in white and red. Paraguay, meanwhile, is in dark blue.
1.
03:02
Game start
02:45
The direct comparison between the USA and Paraguay speaks for itself. In a total of nine meetings, the US boys left the pitch as winners five times. There were also two draws, so the South Americans were only able to achieve two successes. While the South Americans have been waiting for a win against the USA since 2011, Mauricio Pochettino’s men last won a friendly match in November of last year. The Americans won 2-1 and should therefore be looking forward to the start of the World Cup with confidence.
02:35
It has been 16 years since Paraguay last qualified for a World Cup finals. In 2010, the South Americans made it to the quarter-finals of the tournament in South Africa, where they suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat against eventual world champions Spain. Since then, however, there have been no successes and no participation either. The Paraguayans were also no longer in the semi-finals of the last four editions of the South American title fights, the Copa América. However, Gustavo Alfaro’s team confidently qualified for the World Cup in sixth place on the penultimate matchday. In contrast, the Americans did not have to qualify for the tournament due to home advantage, meaning that the USA’s last competitive game was a year ago. In July of the previous year, however, they lost the Gold Cup final against Mexico 1-2.
02:22
Compared to the home side, Paraguay were able to play their only test match before the World Cup much more successfully. In the meeting with Nicaragua, the South Americans won 4-0. However, the most positive news was probably only announced with the starting line-up for today’s match. Julio Enciso, who had to be carried off the field in the first half last week, does not appear to have suffered a serious injury and is in the starting lineup in Inglewood. Nevertheless, there are two changes to the last preparatory game. Orlando Gill starts between the posts for Roberto Fernández. Kaku is also sitting on the bench for the time being and will be replaced by Damián Bobadilla. The Paraguayans operate from a 4-4-2 system.
02:12
Group D is now starting in California for the 2026 World Cup. The Americans are playing their opener against Paraguay on home soil. Compared to the last tough test last week against the German national team, Mauricio Pochettino made a change in one position. Chris Richards, who was recently sidelined for around a month due to an ankle injury, starts for Miles Robinson. However, the Crystal Palace defender reports back to action just in time for the start of the home World Cup and is given preference.
02:00
In the fourth game of the 2026 World Cup, the title fights finally arrive in the United States – the USA starts their home World Cup with a game against Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium in the suburb of Inglewood. From 3:00 a.m. the ball will also be rolling in Group D!