United States vs Paraguay: prediction & betting odds 13 June 2026

Form and Line-up United States

United States prepared for the second home World Cup in their history mainly through friendlies, occasionally mixing them with appearances in the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the Copa America. Only in 2025 did the team reach the final of an official tournament, but there, in Houston, disappointment awaited, delivered by Mexico, who have so often put obstacles in their way (1:2). The North and Central American trophy crossed the States' southern border. In unofficial matches, the Stars and Stripes did not often face top opponents, and as soon as they came up against them, they lost without much of a chance. Belgium and Portugal visited them this spring but behaved like the hosts - 5:2 and 2:0 respectively.

A large number of players with European experience have gathered under the national-team banner. Most of them still play in the Old World. What is more, most are either at the peak of their powers or moving towards it. Mauricio Pochettino has undoubtedly included players capable of making the difference in the squad - Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun. Good news arrived this Monday: leading defender Chris Richards has been cleared to train with the full group, so there is at least a chance that he will take the field as early as the first round.

Key numbers:

• All three goals United States scored at the 2022 World Cup came with the right foot.

• Since 1990, United States have missed only one of eight World Cups - in Russia in 2018.

• In all four spring matches this year, the Americans' opponents scored at least two goals.

Probable United States line-up (4-3-3)

Matt Freese - Sergino Dest, Auston Trusty, Mark McKenzie, Antonee Robinson - Sebastian Berhalter, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie - Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, Malik Tillman.

Absentees: Chris Richards (doubtful).

Form and Line-up Paraguay

Paraguay have not played at a World Cup since 2010, when, incidentally, they achieved the best result in their history by reaching the quarter-finals. Qualification for this World Cup in the CONMEBOL zone was fairly even. Argentina broke clear, while five more teams, including Paraguay, fought for the remaining five direct tickets, so failing to reach the World Cup was almost impossible.

The Guarani's distinguishing feature was low scoring: in 14 of their 18 qualifying matches, either one goal was scored or none at all. In the first six rounds, which took place before the 2024 Copa America, every result was like that. In friendlies after successful qualification, the scoring rate rose slightly, but mainly among Paraguay's opponents - they were the ones scoring two goals against them. We think the status of the matches still had an influence, with the players not as focused, while Gustavo Alfaro was also more flexible with his selection.

Key numbers:

• Paraguay have not scored a single goal in their last three World Cup matches.

• Since 2002, nine matches involving the Guarani have ended with Under 2.5 goals landing, and in eight of them the Both Teams to Score bet did not come through.

• In 10 of their 18 qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup, Paraguay kept a clean sheet in defense.

Probable Paraguay line-up (4-4-2)

Orlando Gill - Juan Caceres, Gustavo Gomez, Omar Alderete, Junior Alonso - Ramon Sosa, Diego Gomez, Braian Ojeda, Miguel Almiron - Antonio Sanabria, Isidro Pitta.

Absentees: Damian Bobadilla, Fabian Balbuena (injuries), Julio Enciso (doubtful).