USMNT prepares for World Cup opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 12:35 AM
Last updated Jun 12, 2026
The U.S. men’s national team is set to face Paraguay in their opening match of the World Cup at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Friday. Ranked No. 16 by FIFA, the USMNT is looking to improve on previous performances as they return to the tournament on home soil for the first time since 1994. Recent friendlies have highlighted key player developments, with goalkeeper Matt Freese gaining momentum in his bid to start. However, concerns linger regarding the fitness of center back Chris Richards, who has been recovering from an ankle injury. Coach Mauricio Pochettino's tactics and starting lineup continue to evolve as the tournament approaches.
- •USMNT faces Paraguay on June 14 at SoFi Stadium.
- •Ranked No. 16, the team aims for significant performance improvements.
- •Matt Freese is positioned to be the starting goalkeeper.
- •Chris Richards' fitness is uncertain ahead of the match.
- •Mauricio Pochettino continues to finalize team tactics.
- 12:35 AMYahoo Sports — Get to know the US men’s national team before its first World Cup match
"The pressure is on for the U.S. men’s national team. Ranked No. 16 in FIFA’s most recent global standings, the USMNT has much loftier goals as the World Cup returns to American soil for the first time since 1994. USA’s lineup remains a work in progress ahead of Friday’s opener against Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) in Inglewood, Calif., but recent friendlies have offered a ...
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