USA vs Paraguay: World Cup 2026 Opener Preview, Time and How to Watch
Tonight is the night Team USA has been waiting four years for. The USMNT opens their 2026 World Cup campaign against Paraguay on Friday, June 12, with kickoff at 9 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Roadtrips
Why This Match Matters
It’s day two of the World Cup, and ESPN’s coverage notes that “the U.S. is going to win the 2026 World Cup” has already become one of the most talked about storylines, backed by 13 statistics that analysts say support the case. As co-hosts, the pressure is on Team USA to deliver in front of a home crowd from the very first whistle.
Day One Set the Tone
The tournament’s opening night delivered drama: Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca, with Julián Quiñones scoring the first goal of the 2026 World Cup. In the night’s other game, South Korea came back from behind to beat Czechia after Wolverhampton’s Ladislav Krejčí had given the European side an early lead. The Mexico win was also described as an emotional celebration marking the World Cup’s return to the Azteca.
What to Expect From the USMNT Tonight
Former U.S. men’s national team star Maurice Edu has suggested Christian Pulisic could become the program’s all-time great, and the build-up has included Chris “The Bear” Fallica delivering his daily best bets for Day 2 of the tournament. Head coach pressure is already building, with reports suggesting it may be “too late for motivational speeches” heading into kickoff.
How to Watch USA vs Paraguay
The match airs on FOX and FS1, with streaming available via Fubo, FOX One, and the FOX Sports app. Kickoff is at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California.
Group D Outlook
The USA will then play Australia, before finishing the group stage against Türkiye, who beat Kosovo in the playoffs to qualify. A win tonight would be the perfect start to a group many believe the hosts can top.
