Starting Lineup and Player Fitness
It was somewhat unexpected to see Julio Enciso start in the opening match, given that his injury sustained against Nicaragua appeared severe enough to limit his availability during the group stage. His presence, if he is fully match fit, represents a significant advantage for Paraguay and will likely be the primary marking responsibility for Tyler Adams.
Pre-Match Observations and Historical Context
In the pre-match mailbag, Paul Griffin reflected on the contrasting histories of the two nations:
“Paraguay vs the US. A country still scarred by a 19th century civil war, with a contentiously liberal approach to gun ownership, and a history of venerating renegades and outlaws….versus the USA.”
Another fan, Waw Waw, recalled attending the Belgium-Saudi Arabia match in 1994 at RFK Stadium, noting the excitement of the game and missed chances by Belgium.
At Los Angeles Stadium, the US team received a loud ovation as they appeared in all-white for their warmups. The starters focused on short passing drills, while substitutes had yet to take the field. Earlier, stadium screens displayed a man dressed as the 1994 Alexi Lalas, complete with long hair and a goatee in vibrant orange, before cutting to the actual 2026 Alexi Lalas, initially obscured by Fox co-commentator Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Both versions of Lalas saluted the camera, accompanied by the iconic bald eagle screech.
Paraguay’s Projected Lineup and Formation
According to FIFA’s official site, Paraguay’s lineup is expected to be:
- Defense: Junior Alonso, Gustavo Gomez (captain), Omar Aldarete, Juan Jose Caceres
- Midfield: Diego Gomez, Miguel Almiron, Andres Cubas, Damian Bobadilla
- Forward: Antonio Sanabria, Julio Enciso
Our team guide, which accurately predicted the starting eleven, suggests a 4-2-3-1 formation. Andres Cubas and Damian Bobadilla form the double pivot, with Enciso playing as a No. 10 between Almiron—who had a lengthy tenure at Newcastle United and Atlanta United—and Diego Gomez. Antonio Sanabria is positioned as the primary striker.
US Team Formation and Tactical Notes
The projected lineup for the US maintains a 100% accuracy rate, with Chris Richards earning a starting position. The formation nominally appears as a 3-4-2-1, functioning as a 3-2-5 in attack and a 4-4-2 in defense.
In the previous match against Germany, the US performed better when Malik Tillman dropped deeper into midfield and Weston McKennie played more advanced roles. A similar approach is anticipated today, although a 4-1-4-1 formation is also possible, with Robinson and Freeman acting as full-backs, Tyler Adams positioned behind an attacking line of Pulisic, Tillman, McKennie, and Dest, and Folarin Balogun as the striker.
Remembering Grant Wahl and the Growth of Soccer in the US
Early in the 2022 World Cup, the soccer community was shocked by the sudden death of US journalist Grant Wahl, who passed away unexpectedly while covering the tournament. His wife, epidemiologist Céline Gounder, has since issued warnings regarding disease preparedness.
Understanding the significance of the World Cup returning to the US requires recognizing the unique nature of soccer fandom in the country. Unlike many parts of the world where fans are born into their clubs, in the US, many fans are converts with personal origin stories.
Peter Rehwaldt from Kansas City shared his experience during the 1982 World Cup, living with Dutch students and watching matches on a Spanish-language station without understanding the commentary, relying instead on the Dutch students’ humorous and candid play-by-play.
The Netherlands’ choice of the Kansas City Current’s practice facility as their US base for the tournament is a fortunate coincidence. The Current currently stand sixth in the NWSL.
For the author, 1982 was pivotal, marked by tracking scores via newspaper clippings during summer camp and catching the final upon returning home. In 1994, with the ability to afford tickets, the author witnessed the tournament’s goal of the tournament scored by Saudi Arabia’s Saeed Al-Owairan.
Despite challenges, including the near collapse of Major League Soccer and the first women’s league, the 2002 World Cup marked the best US performance in living memory, sparking growth in the sport’s popularity.
Today, soccer has become mainstream, with debates over Messi versus Ronaldo and club rivalries common among youth, a stark contrast to earlier generations when soccer fans were often ridiculed.
While some may view this World Cup with ambivalence, it remains a reminder of when supporting soccer became culturally significant in the US.
(Yes, soccer. We’re adopting a non-pedantic stance for now.)
What to Expect from Paraguay
Paraguay secured their place on football’s grandest stage by returning to their roots: defensive solidity and collective intensity. Previous attempts at a possession-based style failed to deliver defensively or offensively. The arrival of Gustavo Alfaro in August 2024 brought a clear directive:
“Paraguayan DNA, intensity and clean sheets. That’s what will take us to the World Cup.”His approach has proven effective.
Additional insights from Christian Pérez and Óscar Gómez highlight the team’s focus on these principles.
US Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s Approach
There will be no dramatic motivational speeches from Mauricio Pochettino ahead of the USMNT opener. Instead, he and his players rely on nearly two years of preparation and their intrinsic passion for the game.
“The most important [thing] is not to be disconnected with your emotional relationship with the game,”Pochettino said.
“They need to think tomorrow and play like they are a child – with no pressure, with no responsibility.”
Folarin Balogun as the Offensive Focal Point
Folarin Balogun is expected to start as the US striker and will be central to the team's attacking build-up. Jeff Rueter analyzed Balogun’s performances in pre-World Cup friendlies, emphasizing his importance.
Chris Richards’ Status
Much discussion ahead of the tournament has centered on the health of center-back Chris Richards. He has been a defensive anchor for the US, with the team appearing vulnerable in his absence.
Richards has returned to full training and is available for selection. He recently commented on his chances of playing:
"I’m feeling good and ready to contribute whenever called upon."
Pochettino’s Message: Stay Relaxed
Speaking yesterday, Mauricio Pochettino shared advice from a friend who won the 1986 World Cup with Argentina:
“In relaxation, you become concentrated and focused.”
Pochettino emphasized the importance of professionalism and creating a comfortable atmosphere for players to understand expectations:
“I think we try to be very professional in every single aspect of our preparation by creating a very good atmosphere where the player can feel comfortable and to embrace and, not to learn, but to understand what we expect.”
Media and Security at SoFi Stadium
We are now at SoFi Los Angeles Stadium. While the media’s entry was delayed due to security issues—only one x-ray machine is operational for the entire media contingent, with individual bag inspections causing delays in hot conditions—there is no water available in the media workroom. Despite these challenges, coverage is underway.
Pre-Match Training and Pochettino’s Adaptation
At an open training session on Monday at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, California—the US home base—Mauricio Pochettino addressed approximately 5,500 fans. Technical difficulties interrupted his remarks twice, prompting a quip:
“We are in the greatest country in the world, but the technology does not work.”
Pochettino’s transition to the US soccer environment has had challenges. He arrived on a $6 million per year contract—the highest ever for a US Soccer coach—with a resume featuring some of the world’s most renowned clubs and players. His mission is to lead a nation better known for success in other sports to a historic World Cup finish on home soil.
For a detailed report on Pochettino’s tenure and vision, please refer to the full analysis below.
