Paraguay arrives at its World Cup opener carrying the momentum of a strong qualifying campaign, but also the weight of a long absence from the tournament’s biggest stage. The Albirroja have not appeared at a World Cup since 2010, making their return a notable storyline as they prepare to face the United States Men’s National Team at SoFi Stadium.
The match comes on the second day of the competition and follows an earlier contest between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina. For Paraguay, the game against the USMNT represents one of the most important opportunities in Group D, where a win would immediately strengthen its chances of finishing at the top of the section.
Miguel Almirón remains the key figure in Paraguay’s attack and is expected to lead the team from the start. The Atlanta United winger is viewed as the central creative and attacking threat, and his presence could be decisive if Paraguay is to challenge the United States. There is still some uncertainty around Gustavo Alfaro’s lineup choices, but Almirón is expected to be named among the starters for the night’s match.
Paraguay’s game plan will likely depend on attacking the spaces the USMNT has shown vulnerability in during recent friendlies. The Americans have impressed with a dynamic front line and a midfield that combines tactical discipline with physical strength, but they have also shown weaknesses when defending wide areas and tracking runners behind the midfield. That may give Paraguay a path to create danger, especially if Almirón is able to find room between the lines or exploit the flanks.
At the same time, Paraguay cannot afford to lose its defensive structure. The USMNT has enough firepower to punish even small lapses, with players such as Christian Pulisic, Sergiño Dest and Folarin Balogun capable of changing the match with a single moment. That balance between attacking ambition and defensive caution will be central to Paraguay’s approach.
For Alfaro and his squad, the challenge is clear: go into the match with intensity, field the strongest possible XI and take advantage of any defensive gaps. For the United States, the task is to remain organized and avoid giving Paraguay the kind of space that could allow Almirón to dictate the tempo.
With 16 years having passed since Paraguay’s last World Cup appearance, the team is expected to bring urgency, experience and determination to this opening showdown. The result could set the tone for the rest of Group D, making this one of the most closely watched matches of Paraguay’s return to the global stage.
