USA vs Paraguay Prediction & Picks - World Cup
World - World Cup
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by Bradley Gibbs | in World Cup Picks
The biggest event in US soccer history is now upon us. On Friday evening, the last of the three host countries will get underway at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That’s right, it’s the turn of the Stars and Stripes, who will begin their campaign with a game against Paraguay.
Having reached the knockouts in Qatar back in late 2022, the USMNT will be hoping to deliver its best ever World Cup performance on home soil, and with Mauricio Pochettino leading the troops, there’s plenty of optimism around the chances of the biggest host nation.
The Paraguayans probably won’t be feeling so hopeful ahead of this tournament. Their recent World Cup record is nothing to write home about. This will be the first time that they’ve featured since 2010.
Looking at the early lines, there are a few routes that we could take here, but from a value point of view, few look more appealing than ‘Julio Enciso 1+ Shots on Target’. The Paraguayan forward is very strong on the break, while his shooting record over the last year or so is difficult to ignore.
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USA vs Paraguay Form
USA and Paraguay Latest Matches
3/6 (50%)
0/6 (0%)
3/6 (50%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 6, 2026 - International Friendlies
May 31, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 31, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 28, 2026 - International Friendlies
Nov 18, 2025 - International Friendlies
Nov 15, 2025 - International Friendlies
3/6 (50%)
0/6 (0%)
3/6 (50%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 6, 2026 - International Friendlies
May 31, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 31, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 28, 2026 - International Friendlies
Nov 18, 2025 - International Friendlies
Nov 15, 2025 - International Friendlies
2/6 (33%)
0/6 (0%)
4/6 (67%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 19, 2025 - CONCACAF Gold Cup
Mar 23, 2025 - CONCACAF Nations League
Nov 14, 2024 - CONCACAF Nations League
Oct 15, 2024 - International Friendlies
Jun 27, 2024 - Copa America
Nov 20, 2023 - CONCACAF Nations League
3/6 (50%)
0/6 (0%)
3/6 (50%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 5, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 31, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 27, 2026 - International Friendlies
Nov 18, 2025 - International Friendlies
Nov 15, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 14, 2025 - International Friendlies
5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 5, 2026 - International Friendlies
Sep 4, 2025 - World Cup
Jun 5, 2025 - World Cup
Mar 20, 2025 - World Cup
Nov 14, 2024 - World Cup
Oct 15, 2024 - World Cup
2/6 (33%)
1/6 (17%)
3/6 (50%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Mar 31, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 27, 2026 - International Friendlies
Nov 18, 2025 - International Friendlies
Nov 15, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 14, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 10, 2025 - International Friendlies
USA against Paraguay : Head to Head (H2H)
100 %
0 %
0 %
Average stats (last H2H results)
Nov 15, 2025 - International Friendlies
Mar 27, 2018 - International Friendlies
USA - Paraguay: Form Analysis
Having not needed to go through a qualification campaign, the Stars and Stripes have played many friendlies over the last year or so. Back in March/April, they struggled to cope with the pace of both Belgium and Portugal, offering nowhere near enough defensive resistance, which is worrying ahead of this tournament. They’ve since continued to concede goals against both Senegal and Germany, though Pochettino’s men do look dangerous in the final third, which gives them a clear chance of getting out of what is not the toughest group on paper.
They played against the US back in November, losing by two goals to one, though they were far from outclassed, so they probably won’t be feeling too down after that.
The Paraguayans have been a bit up and down in their preparations following what was a decent qualification campaign. They played against the US back in November, losing by two goals to one, though they were far from outclassed, so they probably won’t be feeling too down after that. Since then, they’ve beaten both Mexico, Greece and Nicaragua, though a recent defeat against the Moroccans exposed frailties, especially at the back.
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Missing players
M. Almiron
USA & Paraguay Squad Analysis
In which direction will Maurico Pochettino go with his starting XI? That’s the million-dollar question. We know that Christian Pulisic is guaranteed to start, though there are question marks over several other positions. Unfortunately, key player Anthonee Robinson picked up a knock against Germany and may miss out as a result. Monaco’s Folarin Balogun seems the most likely player to lead the offensive line, while Tyler Adams and Malik Tillman are likely to start together in central midfield.
Unfortunately, key player Anthonee Robinson picked up a knock against Germany and may miss out as a result.
The Paraguayan side is fairly settled, with the likes of Miguel Almiron, Julio Enciso, Omar Alderete and Diego Gomez all pretty much guaranteed to start. There could be an appearance for previous MLS player Kaku, though the former New York Red Bulls star may need to settle for a place on the bench. Alex Arce is an in-form forward, though he too looks set for a role as a substitute, alongside the vastly experienced Antonio Sanabria.
USA - Paraguay Key Points
- Julio Enciso was a regular shooter for Paraguay in qualifying, scoring three goals.
- Julio Enciso finished the domestic campaign in Ligue 1 in hot shooting form, taking 13 shots in his last three games for Strasbourg.
- Julio Enciso has registered four shots on target in his last four games for club and country.
- Julio Enciso ended the domestic season registering 13 shots on target in his final ten starts for Strasbourg.
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Our USA vs Paraguay Prediction
As much as the hosts will want to boss this opening game, their glaringly obvious defensive deficiencies will surely see them endure some tough moments. Parguay's Julio Enciso has more than enough quality to hurt the Stars and Stripes, and given the way in which he finished the domestic season in a shooting sense, the lively forward looks too generously priced to register at least one shot on target.
He took up some promising positions when the teams met just over six months ago, and having since stepped on the gas domestically, he looks ready to make a big impact here.
Our USA vs Paraguay Pick: Julio Enciso 1+ Shots on Target.
USA vs Paraguay - Other Interesting Picks
Tie
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USA vs Paraguay match : Frequently asked questions
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
