The 2026 World Cup rolls on with co-hosts the United States taking on Paraguay in a Group D fixture that could go a long way to deciding who progresses to the knockout rounds. 

The Americans head in off a mixed run of form, posting DDDWL across their last five outings, while Paraguay arrive with a DWLDW sequence that hints at unpredictability under pressure.

Mauricio Pochettino's hosts will lean on the experience of Christian Pulisic and the goal threat of Folarin Balogun, with a vocal home crowd expected to lift them. 

While Gustavo Alfaro's Paraguay side, marshalled by Antonio Sanabria up top, have shown they can frustrate bigger nations and will be confident of pinching something on the counter.

These nations have met once previously at the World Cup Finals, seeing the United States secure a 3-0 victory during the inaugural 1930 tournament. 

The United States will be making its 12th tournament appearance and Paraguay its ninth. 

Both have enjoyed significant group stage success in recent attempts; the USA has reached the Round of 16 in each of its last three appearances while Paraguay has progressed to the Round of 16 or better in four of its last five. 

Due to its hosting responsibilities, the USA did not have to qualify, whereas Paraguay came through CONMEBOL thanks to a 7-7-4 W/D/L record, reaching the tournament for the first time since 2010. 

They displayed an incredible fighting spirit throughout that qualifying campaign, scoring the first goal in just 27.8% of its matches – lowest percentage of any nation at the 2026 tournament.

That means smash and grabs will most likely be the order of the day for the Paraguayans at these World Cup Finals. 

Also, to celebrate the momentous occasion that is the 2026 World Cup, Sportsbet is bringing back its exclusive Super Sub feature!

How does Super Sub work? Well, it’s very simple. Place a bet on select player markets throughout the Men’s World Cup and if that player is subbed off your bet rolls over to the new player that replaced them.

For example, if you’ve bet on Kylian Mbappe to score during one of France’s matches and during that match he fails to do so and is directly substituted for Jean-Philippe Mateta who ends up scoring instead, your original bet on Mbappe is paid as a winner!

Super Sub is not exclusive to goalscoring markets either, it also applies to anytime assist, player to win one or more fouls, shots on target and more, just make sure to read all the T&Cs before locking in your bet. Now back to the action! 

For the latest betting tips and analysis ahead of this Group D game at the 2026 World Cup, check out our USA vs Paraguay tips and predictions below.

USA vs Paraguay Predictions

Head-to-Head Prediction

Home advantage looks significant here. The United States have been dominant at home for a stretch leading into this tournament and have the squad depth to control possession against a Paraguay side that prefers to sit a little deeper. 

With Pulisic pulling the strings and Balogun offering a focal point, the hosts should have enough to break down La Albirroja, especially with the crowd behind them.

Paraguay's recent five-game ledger shows they can scrap with the best of them, but creating clear cut chances has been a struggle. At the quote, USA represent fair value as favourites in a winnable group fixture.

However, for those who fancy backing a stalemate, it is important to note that three of the United States' last four World Cup Group Stage night matches have resulted in a draw.

Betting tip: USA.

Correct Score Prediction

Paraguay are well organised defensively and rarely concede in bunches, which points towards a tight, low-scoring contest rather than a runaway result for the hosts. 

The Under 2.5 Goals market is priced as the more likely outcome at $1.60 and has hit during regulation time in each of Paraguay's last nine World Cup matches.

A single moment of quality from Pulisic, Balogun or Haji Wright may be all that separates the sides, with Paraguay's compact shape limiting the damage. 

A narrow home win feels like the sensible read, and the shortest correct score for that scenario is USA 1-0.

Again though, for those in favour of a tie, two of the United States' last three World Cup matches as a favourite have resulted in a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation time.

Betting tip: 1-0 USA.

First Goal Prediction

Several attackers share the shortest price in the First Goalscorer market, including Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, Haji Wright and Ricardo Pepi, all at $5.50. 

Of those, Pulisic stands out as the most involved early in matches, regularly taking set pieces, drifting infield from the left, and getting on the ball in dangerous zones. 

He has form on the board with a goal in his last two appearances and tends to influence games from the opening whistle when the United States play at home. He shapes as the value pick to open the scoring.

Betting tip: Christian Pulisic.

Where to Watch USA vs Paraguay

For all football fanatics based in Australia, SBS is the place to go to watch any and every 2026 World Cup Match.

SBS has secured the exclusive Australian broadcasting rights for football’s showpiece event, meaning you can watch USA vs Paraguay on either SBS, SBS Viceland or SBS On Demand. 

USA vs Paraguay Match Details

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026.

Kick-off: 11:00am AEST.

Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California. 

Where to watch: SBS.