USMNT World Cup opener against Paraguay set for SoFi Stadium
With kickoff scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on 11 June 2026, the United States Men’s National Team begins its campaign at SoFi Stadium, where betting markets and analysts point to a cautious, low-scoring contest.
The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) is set to open its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Paraguay in Group D at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The match is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on Friday, 11 June 2026, as part of the tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The 2026 World Cup features an expanded field of 48 teams and officially commenced on Thursday with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City.
Paraguay enters the tournament making its return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, a edition in which they reached the quarter-finals. Group D also includes Turkiye and Australia, with the USMNT entering as co-hosts and slight favourites to win the group. Current betting odds from FanDuel Sportsbook list the USMNT at -105 on the 90-minute money line, with Paraguay at +310 and a draw at +240. The over/under for total goals is set at 2.5.
Sports betting expert Jon Eimer from SportsLine has released his predictions for the match, forecasting an Under 2.5 total goals outcome. Eimer, who holds a 31-13-2 record on Champions League picks since joining SportsLine, cites Paraguay’s defensive solidity as a primary factor. He notes that Paraguay captain Gustavo Gomez has over 85 international matches under his belt and that manager Alfaro employs a very defensive style of football.
Eimer’s analysis also highlights the USMNT’s historical scoring patterns, pointing out that the team did not score more than one goal in any of their 2022 World Cup matches. While the current roster is viewed as having more offensive upside, the initial test against a defensively structured Paraguay side suggests a low-scoring matchup where the visitors may aim to secure at least a point against the favoured Americans.
Expectations for the USMNT are high as co-hosts, with the primary objective being a run to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002. A round of 16 exit is considered the minimum acceptable outcome for the program, while failure to reach that stage would be viewed as a complete failure. The tournament continues with Group D matches, as the USMNT seeks to establish its standing in the expanded competition.
