USA vs Paraguay — World Cup 2026

Tale of the tape.

Last five walks into the room.

Who's hotter going in? Latest competitive results, newest first.

Three duels that decide it.

// Left wing vs Right back · The Directness Test

C. Pulišić

#10 · AC Milan

VS

G. Velázquez

#2 · Newells Old Boys

Pulišić's intelligence and press resistance will test whether Velázquez can hold a high line without getting turned inside. The AC Milan forward thrives in tight spaces; the Newells full-back prefers a physical approach. If USA commits to early service, this becomes Pulišić's to control.

// Midfield Press · The Tempo Controllers

J. Cardoso

#15 · Atletico Madrid

VS

R. Sosa

#7 · Nottingham Forest

Two ball-carriers who thrive on transition: Cardoso's aggressive Atlético-bred pressing against Sosa's threading passes from the Nottingham Forest press-resistant setup. This duel dictates rhythm. Cardoso's work rate could suffocate Sosa's space, but one loose touch and Paraguay break.

// Centre-forward vs Centre-back · The Physical Reckoning

R. Pepi

#9 · PSV Eindhoven

VS

F. Balbuena

#5 · Dynamo

Pepi's PSV sharpness in the box meets Balbuena's Dynamo durability. The striker will seek early isolation; the defender's positioning and communication will be crucial. Balbuena's experience often wins these, but Pepi's energy could prove tiresome over 90 minutes.

USA vs Paraguay: The Pressure Paradox

A clash between American verticality and Paraguayan discipline. Pochettino demands space through aggression; Alfaro builds walls.

Win probability.

Even-money default — ranks not yet on file.

The bench faceoff.

USA · Head coach

M. Pochettino

🇦🇷

Paraguay · Head coach

G. Alfaro

🇦🇷

Where to watch.