FIFA World Cup 2026: USA vs Paraguay Group D kick-off — time, venue, squads
Synopsis
USA kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 home campaign against a Paraguay side returning to the global stage for the first time since 2010. With Pochettino's men fresh from a 2-1 friendly win over the same opponents, and the match streaming live on Zee5 in India, this Group D opener carries both historical weight and genuine tactical intrigue.
Key Takeaways
USA face Paraguay in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D opener at Los Angeles Stadium on 13 June 2026 , kick-off 6:30 AM IST .
Mauricio Pochettino's USA side beat Paraguay 2-1 in a friendly in Chester, Pennsylvania , in November.
Paraguay are making their first World Cup appearance since South Africa 2010 , qualifying via a sixth-place finish in CONMEBOL.
The two sides have met just once before in World Cup history — at the inaugural 1930 edition.
Indian viewers can watch live on Zee5 (streaming) or Unite8 Sports 1/2 (TV broadcast).
USA open their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Paraguay in a Group D clash at the Los Angeles Stadium on Friday, 13 June 2026, with kick-off scheduled at 6:30 AM IST. The co-hosts are stepping onto home soil for only the second time as World Cup hosts, carrying the weight of a nation's expectations into their tournament opener.
The Rivalry in Context
These two sides are no strangers. Mauricio Pochettino's USA side edged a 2-1 friendly win over Paraguay in Chester, Pennsylvania, in November — a result that will give the Americans quiet confidence heading into Saturday's contest. Historically, the two nations have met just once in World Cup history, at the very first edition of the tournament in 1930, making this only their second-ever meeting on the sport's grandest stage.
Paraguay's Long Road Back
For Paraguay, this is a historic return — their first World Cup appearance since South Africa 2010, a gap of 16 years. They earned their place with a sixth-place finish in CONMEBOL qualifying, navigating a gruelling South American campaign with some eye-catching results along the way. The Guaraní arrive as underdogs, but their squad — featuring the likes of Miguel Almiron and Julio Enciso — carries genuine quality in the final third.
How to Watch Live in India
Indian viewers can catch all the action via Zee5, which holds live streaming rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India (subscription required). For those preferring television, the matches will be broadcast on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD channels.
Match Details and Full Squads
Date and kick-off: Friday, 13 June 2026, 6:30 AM IST
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles
Referee: Danny Desmond Makkelie
USA Squad —
Goalkeepers: Chris Brady, Matt Freese, Matt Turner
Defenders: Max Arfsten, Sergiño Dest, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, Auston Trusty
Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, Cristian Roldan, Malik Tillman
Forwards: Brenden Aaronson, Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Haji Wright, Alex Zendejas
Paraguay Squad —
Goalkeepers: Gatito Fernandez, Orlando Gill, Gaston Olveira
Defenders: Gustavo Gomez, Junior Alonso, Fabian Balbuena, Omar Alderete, Juan Jose Caceres, Gustavo Velazquez, Jose Canale, Alexandro Maidana
Midfielders: Miguel Almiron, Kaku, Andrés Cubas, Ramon Sosa, Diego Gomez, Damian Bobadilla, Braian Ojeda, Matias Galarza, Mauricio
Forwards: Antonio Sanabria, Julio Enciso, Gabriel Avalos, Axl Arce, Isidro Pitta, Gustavo Caballero
With the tournament's opening group stage underway, all eyes will be on Los Angeles as the co-hosts look to set the tone for what promises to be a landmark World Cup on American soil.
Point of View
And a shaky group-stage exit on home soil would be a significant setback for US Soccer's long-term ambitions. Paraguay, meanwhile, are not here to make up the numbers; Almiron and Enciso can punish any defensive lapses. The real story here is whether the pressure of a home crowd galvanises or paralyses a young American side that has never truly been tested at this level.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the USA vs Paraguay FIFA World Cup 2026 match?
The match is scheduled for Friday, 13 June 2026, with kick-off at 6:30 AM IST at Los Angeles Stadium. It is USA's Group D opener at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Where can Indian fans watch USA vs Paraguay live?
Indian fans can stream the match live on the Zee5 platform and app (subscription required). TV viewers can tune in to Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, or Unite8 Sports 2 HD.
When did Paraguay last play at the FIFA World Cup?
Paraguay last appeared at a FIFA World Cup at South Africa 2010, making their 2026 appearance a return after a 16-year absence. They qualified via a sixth-place finish in CONMEBOL qualifying.
What is the head-to-head record between USA and Paraguay at the World Cup?
The two sides have met only once in World Cup history, at the inaugural 1930 tournament. Their recent competitive form includes a 2-1 USA win in a friendly played in Chester, Pennsylvania, in November.
Who is the referee for USA vs Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup?
Danny Desmond Makkelie has been appointed as the referee for the USA vs Paraguay Group D match at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
