Stu Holden and Clint Dempsey predict USMNT's XI against Paraguay
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 7:50 PM
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
Ahead of the USMNT's World Cup opener against Paraguay, analysts Stu Holden and Clint Dempsey have shared their predicted starting XI. Holden suggests a 4-2-3-1 formation featuring Matt Freese, Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, and Antonee Robinson in defense, with Malik Tillman, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie in midfield. Sergiño Dest, Folarin Balogun, and Christian Pulisic are set to lead the attack. Dempsey highlighted the importance of chemistry between Pulisic and Balogun for success. Questions around the lineup and player roles have emerged as the team prepares for the tournament.
- •USMNT faces Paraguay in their World Cup opener.
- •Stu Holden predicts a 4-2-3-1 formation for the match.
- •Matt Freese is expected to start in goal.
- •Key players include Pulisic and Balogun up front.
- •Dempsey mentions the need for better link-up play.
- 7:50 PMYahoo Sports — Clint Dempsey and Stu Holden predict USMNT’s starting XI against Paraguay
"Mauricio Pochettino has kept fans guessing ahead of the USMNT’s World Cup opener against Paraguay. Throughout his tenure, the American head coach has experimented with different players and systems, leaving questions around the back line, midfield balance and where best to use Sergiño Dest.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- NBA•Jun 11, 2026, 9:04 PMRihanna, ASAP Rocky joined Knicks fans on NYC street to celebrate comeback
- NBA•Jun 11, 2026, 9:00 PMStephen A. Smith unloads on ‘stupid *ss’ Knicks fans for throwing things at Victor Wembanyama
- NBA•Jun 11, 2026, 8:07 PMVictor Wembanyama Nearly Pelted with Egg by Knicks Fan After Stunning NBA Finals Loss
- NBA•Jun 11, 2026, 8:00 PMMike Greenberg calls out Knicks fans fighting or throwing eggs at players: ‘Just know that you are a disgrace’
- NBA•Jun 11, 2026, 7:47 PMCeltics Insider Laments 'Blown Opportunity' At NBA Championship
- Basketball•Jun 11, 2026, 7:37 PMWhy Draymond Green chose to apologize to Jalen Brunson following Knicks historic win against Spurs
