Preview: USA vs. Paraguay – Predictions, Team News, and Lineups

Meeting for the first time on the international stage since 2018, the USA and Paraguay square off in a friendly on Saturday at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. In their last outing, the Yanks came from behind to defeat Australia 2-1 last month, while Paraguay were beaten 2-0 by South Korea in their previous affair.

Match Preview

As the 2026 World Cup draws closer, the USA is keen to identify which players can perform at their best when it truly matters. Since their disappointing loss to Mexico in the Gold Cup final, where they fell 2-1, the Americans have maintained a steady run, avoiding defeat in three of their previous four international matches. Notably, they have been prolific in scoring, netting goals in nine of their last ten competitive encounters.

Under the guidance of manager Mauricio Pochettino, the U.S. squad has shown resilience, notably coming from behind in two consecutive friendlies. They boast a solid track record at home against South American teams, with a recent 1-1 draw against Ecuador and a convincing 3-1 victory over Venezuela earlier this year.

Chester’s Subaru Park will witness its second-ever international match featuring the USA, the first being a dominant 3-0 win against Bolivia in a 2018 friendly. Notably, the Americans have triumphed in their previous two encounters with Paraguay, both ending in tight 1-0 victories, the latest occurring in 2019 in Philadelphia.

For Paraguay, this match holds additional significance as they gear up for their first World Cup appearance since 2010, having secured the last automatic berth in the CONMEBOL region. Manager Gustavo Alfaro has his work cut out, as the team has managed to win just one of their last five matches across all competitions. With an inconsistent scoring record—failing to net in three of those outings—maintaining focus and strategy will be vital for the upcoming match.

This weekend, Paraguay will aim for their first win on American soil since August 2022, when they claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Mexico. Historically, they have struggled against the USA, last defeating them back in 2011 in a friendly match in Nashville.

Team News

The USA has faced some setbacks regarding player availability. Christian Pulisic will miss this game due to a hamstring injury, while Tyler Adams is sidelined after sustaining a head injury during a match with Bournemouth. Sean Zawadzki is also recovering from a minor knock. Other notable absentees include Chris Richards, Timothy Weah, and Weston McKennie, as well as Antonee Robinson. However, Jonathan Klinsmann and Roman Celentano are hopeful for their first senior caps. Haji Wright, who impressed in the last match, scored both goals against Australia.

On the Paraguay side, three players have been called up without any prior senior caps: Lucas Romero, , and Aldo Sebastián Pérez Ramos. Additionally, three Paraguayan players are currently in Major League Soccer, including Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United), Braian Ojeda (Real Salt Lake), and Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps).

For Paraguay, Gustavo Gomez has the opportunity to move into eighth place in terms of all-time caps for the national team, surpassing Celso Ayala, as both are currently tied at 85 caps.

Possible Lineups

USA Possible Starting Lineup:

Freese; M. Robinson, McKenzie, Trusty; Freeman, Morris, Tessmann, Reyna; Wright, Balogun, Aaronson

Paraguay Possible Starting Lineup:

Fernandez; Benitez, G. Gomez, Alderete, Alonso; Cubas, Ojeda; Cuenca, D. Gomez, Almiron; Sanabria

We say: USA 0-0 Paraguay

Given Paraguay’s focus on a solid defense and with several of the USA’s key attacking players, including Pulisic, unavailable, it’s challenging to see the Americans breaking through. Therefore, a scoreless draw seems plausible in this encounter.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines, and more for this match, please click here.