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Match Preview
- Mauricio Pochettino's USA aim to exploit home advantage — playing all three matches in LA, Seattle and LA — to better their last-16 finish in Qatar 2022 and reach the quarter-finals. With an average age in the 26s, their fifth-youngest squad ever opens Group D in Los Angeles. The hosts' tournament begins here.
- At the base of the US midfield is Bournemouth's Tyler Adams, with Juventus's Weston McKennie just ahead. The attacking focal point is captain Christian Pulisic (AC Milan). Monaco's Folarin Balogun leads the line, with the 4-2-3-1 emphasising vertical speed.
- The US back line is marshalled by Crystal Palace's Chris Richards, with quick left-back Antonee Robinson and veteran Tim Ream. In a defence-heavy squad blending 2022 veterans with a new generation, the discipline and intensity Pochettino has instilled will be tested.
- Gustavo Alfaro's Paraguay reach the finals for a ninth time, and the first in 16 years since South Africa 2010. They squeezed through South American qualifying in sixth — the last automatic spot — but improved sharply under Alfaro. This is a tournament about revival, aiming to better their quarter-final run (a best-ever) of 2010.
- Anchoring the 4-4-2 back line is captain Gustavo Gómez of Palmeiras (ex-AC Milan). His centre-back partnership with Sunderland's Omar Alderete is strong in duels, absorbing the US attack within an organised block. Defensive solidity is Paraguay's greatest weapon.
- Paraguay's midfield features Brighton's Diego Gómez, with Strasbourg's Julio Enciso up front alongside Atlanta United's Miguel Almirón (ex-Newcastle). An attack boasting Premier League experience looks to threaten in behind the US defence on the counter.
- The USA, wanting to control the game in a 4-2-3-1, against Paraguay responding with a 4-4-2 block and counters. The contest over possession and transitions is the heart of the watch. Backed by a roaring home crowd, how the hosts dominate the opener draws the focus.