USMNT prepares for World Cup 2026 opener against Paraguay
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 12:48 AM
Last updated Jun 12, 2026
The United States men's national soccer team is set to face Paraguay in their opening match of the World Cup 2026 on Friday night. The match is crucial for the USMNT to advance, with expectations high for them to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino is considering a starting lineup featuring Matt Freese or Matt Turner in goal, a defense led by Tim Ream, and key players like Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, and Christian Pulisic. The USMNT aims to secure a victory to strengthen their chances in Group D, which also includes Turkey and other competitive teams.
- •USMNT faces Paraguay in their World Cup opener on June 12.
- •Mauricio Pochettino's ideal lineup includes key players like Pulisic and Adams.
- •USMNT aims for quarter-finals, needing to win their group.
- •Matt Freese is competing with Matt Turner for the starting goalkeeper role.
- •Group D also features Turkey, expected to be a significant challenger.
- 12:48 AMYahoo Sports — The strongest USMNT lineup Mauricio Pochettino can field at World Cup 2026
"The United States are probably under more pressure than any other team in the opening round of fixtures at the 2026 World Cup. They are expected to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002, and that is only likely if they win their group.
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