Match Preview
The Final co-host get their campaign underway in the early hours of Saturday when they host Paraguay in LA.
There was no Qualifying for the USA as hosts so Mauricio Pochettino has had two years of shaping his squad playing International Friendly matches to prepare them for what is too come.
They have risen to 16th in the latest FIFA World Rankings and this will be a 12th Appearance at footballs big dance.
The stars & stripes wll be hoping as a minimum to match the last time they hosted the World Cup back in 1994 when they made it to the last 16 although could they make it as far as the Quarter Finals like they did in 2002.
Home advantage could be crucial for the Americans and recent form has been pretty impressive despite a 2-1 defeat to a strong German side.
Paraguay will appear at a first World Cup since 2010 when they kick off in Los Angeles.
The South Americans have struggled in opening matches at this Tournament winning just once in eight previous attempts.
La Albirroja’s took the 6th and final Qualifying spot in South American Qualifying although they finished on the same points as Colombia who finished third.
The highlight of that Qualifying campaign was a 2-1 victory over World Champions Argentina in Asuncion.
They will be coach by Argentine Gustavo Alfaro, he will be the third Argentina to manage Paraguay at a World Cup.
They won’t win any praise for the type of football played but they are very effective in what they do, no team will get an easy game against them.
Paraguay have won three of the last four matches including a 3-0 win over Nicaragua.
Team News USA
Mauricio Pochettino has fitness worries at centre back before the opener in Los Angeles with Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards struggling with an ankle injury.
Miles Robinson and Mark McKenzie are vying to partner captain Tim Ream at the heart of the American defence.
They won’t lack attacking prowess from the wing back positions with Sergino Dest & Antonee Robinson both eager to get forward.
There is plenty of European players in this squad and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie is likely to start alongside Bournmouth’s Tyler Adams with AC Milan attacker Christian Pulisic further forward supporting Folarin Balogun.
Team News Paraguay
Paraguay built there Qualifying campaign on a solid defensive effort led by Omar Alderete who has enjoyed a stellar first season in England with Sunderland, he will be joined at the heart of the defence by captain Gustavo Gomez
Julio Enciso enjoyed a memorable first season at Strasbourg having left Brighton last summer and he is a key member of this team but he suffered a quad injury against Nicaragua and is a doubt to start here.
He is likely to be enjoyed in the attacking third by former Newcastle player Miguel Almiron who still remains a key player.
Tonny Sanabria is likely to start as a lone striker having been top scorer in Qualifying with 4 goals.
Form
| Team | Latest Result | Form (Last 6) |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 1-2 vs Germany | W W L L W L |
| Paraguay | 4-0 vs Nicaragua | L L W W L W |
Possible Line Ups
USA (4-2-3-1)
Freese; Freeman, M. Robinson, Ream; Dest, McKennie, Adams, A. Robinson; Pulisic, Tillman; Balogun
Paraguay (4-2-3-1)
Gill; Caceres, G. Gomez, Alderete, Alonso; Bobadilla, Cubas; D. Gomez, Enciso, Almiron; Sanabria
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| USA Win | 10/11 (1.44) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 12/5 (3.40) | Dream Vegas |
| Paraguay Win | 3/1 (4.00) | 247Bet |
We Predict.....
USA 1-1 Paraguay
Both these sides might be happy to come away with a point from this opening fixture and im not convinced USA are gonna handle the pressure of being World Cup hosts.