World Cup 2026 – USA vs Paraguay – Pulisic and McKennie star for hosts, Sanabria features | OneFootball

The United States face Paraguay in a massive FIFA World Cup 2026 opener for the hosts, with two Serie A stars in the host nation’s starting eleven.

Milan’s Christian Pulisic and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie both start for the USA, while relegated Cremonese forward Antonio Sanabria leads the line for Paraguay.

Former Juventus winger Timothy Weah is on the bench for the US, as they look to get off to a winning start in front of a home crowd.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side are favourites to pick up a vital early three points.

Pulisic and McKennie were both involved as the USA took an early lead through an own goal from Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 26: Mauricio Pochettino, Head Coach of United States, speaks to the media during the United States World Cup roster reveal on May 26, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

World Cup 2026: USA vs Paraguay Line-ups

United States (4-2-3-1): Freese; Robinson, Ream, Richards, Freeman; Adams, Tillman; Pulisic, McKennie, Dest; Balogun.

Paraguay (4-4-2): Gill; Alonso, Alderete, Gómez, José Cáceres; Almirón, Bobadilla, Cubas, Enciso; Gómez, Sanabria.