The United States begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Friday 12 June 2026 (local). The Group D opener is the USA’s first match as co-hosts of the tournament.
What is the FIFA World Cup 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the men’s world championship and the first co-hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada and Mexico. It is also the first tournament to feature the expanded 48-team format, with 12 groups of four and a new Round of 32 knockout stage. The USA host 11 of the 16 venues and the majority of knockout matches, including the final at MetLife Stadium.
When is United States vs Paraguay?
Kick-off is at 18:00 local time (PDT) on Friday 12 June 2026, which is 21:00 ET on the East Coast. That is 02:00 BST on Saturday 13 June in the United Kingdom and 22:00 local time in Asuncion, Paraguay.
Where is United States vs Paraguay being played?
The match is at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, just outside Los Angeles. The stadium has a capacity of around 70,000 for football and is also home to the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. A grass pitch will be installed over the existing artificial surface for the tournament, as FIFA requires natural grass for all World Cup matches.
Key Contenders
The United States qualified automatically as co-hosts and go into the tournament under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, appointed in 2024 to rebuild the squad after a disappointing 2024 Copa America group-stage exit. Captain Christian Pulisic of AC Milan leads the attack alongside Juventus forward Timothy Weah and PSV Eindhoven’s Ricardo Pepi. Midfielder Weston McKennie and goalkeeper Matt Turner are among the senior figures.
Paraguay return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals. La Albirroja came through CONMEBOL qualifying under head coach Gustavo Alfaro. The squad is built around Olympiacos midfielder Gaston Gimenez, Cruzeiro forward Julio Enciso and veteran captain Gustavo Gomez of Palmeiras in central defence.
How to Watch United States vs Paraguay
In the United States, FOX carries the English-language broadcast with Telemundo and Peacock handling Spanish coverage. In the United Kingdom, the match is free-to-air on BBC or ITV with streaming on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Paraguayan viewers can watch on Tigo Sports and Telefuturo. FIFA+ provides additional streaming in selected global markets.
History and Records
The United States and Paraguay have met eight times, with the USA holding a slight edge. The teams most recently played in a 2022 friendly that Paraguay won 1-0. They have never met at a World Cup. The USA’s best men’s World Cup finish remains the 1930 semi-finals, while Paraguay reached the quarter-finals in 2010.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets are sold through FIFA’s official ticketing portal at fifa.com/tickets. Most categories for the USA’s home matches sold out quickly following the 2025 ballot phases. Hospitality packages remain available through On Location, FIFA’s official hospitality partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does United States vs Paraguay kick off?
At 18:00 PDT (21:00 ET) on Friday 12 June 2026, which is 02:00 BST on Saturday 13 June.
Where is United States vs Paraguay being held?
At SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
How can I watch United States vs Paraguay?
FOX and Telemundo in the US, BBC or ITV in the UK, Tigo Sports in Paraguay.
Have the USA and Paraguay met at a World Cup before?
No. This is their first-ever meeting at a FIFA World Cup.