United States vs Paraguay lineups are still projected because the official team sheets arrive about one hour before kickoff. Match 4 of FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D will be played at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on Friday, June 12, 2026. Mauricio Pochettino has all 26 U.S. players available, which gives the hosts a steady selection picture for the opener. Paraguay are still assessing Julio Enciso, so their final attacking setup may not be clear until late on matchday.
United States Predicted Lineup
United States are projected to use a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah flanking Folarin Balogun. That setup keeps Tyler Adams central and leaves Weston McKennie free to attack second balls.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Matt Turner |
| RB | Sergino Dest |
| CB | Chris Richards |
| CB | Tim Ream |
| LB | Antonee Robinson |
| DM | Tyler Adams |
| CM | Weston McKennie |
| AM | Malik Tillman |
| RW | Tim Weah |
| ST | Folarin Balogun |
| LW | Christian Pulisic |
Formation: 4-2-3-1.
Substitutes: yet to be confirmed.
This projected United States squad keeps Antonee Robinson high and asks Sergino Dest to tuck inside in possession. Malik Tillman should then connect midfield with Balogun and the two wide runners.
Matt Turner remains the safer starting call, yet Matt Freese has pushed the goalkeeper debate late into matchday. Chris Richards also looks fit enough to start after U.S. Soccer cleared him for selection.
Paraguay Predicted Lineup
Paraguay look closer to a 4-3-3, with Miguel Almiron and Ramon Sosa carrying the wide threat around Antonio Sanabria. That setup gives Gustavo Alfaro enough pace on the break without losing midfield bite.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Roberto Fernandez |
| RB | Juan Caceres |
| CB | Gustavo Gomez |
| CB | Omar Alderete |
| LB | Junior Alonso |
| DM | Andres Cubas |
| CM | Diego Gomez |
| CM | Damian Bobadilla |
| RW | Miguel Almiron |
| ST | Antonio Sanabria |
| LW | Ramon Sosa |
Formation: 4-3-3.
Substitutes: yet to be confirmed.
The projected Paraguay squad leans on Cubas to shield the back line and release Diego Gomez early. Almiron and Sosa should then attack the space left by the U.S. full-backs.
Julio Enciso remains the main late-call storyline after the injury he suffered in the Nicaragua friendly. If he is not cleared, Paraguay should lean harder on direct wing running and set-piece delivery.
Team News and Injury Report
United States have the cleaner squad picture. U.S. Soccer confirmed all 26 players are available, and Mauricio Pochettino said Chris Richards is fit for selection after his ankle concern.
Paraguay carry the more important late doubt. FOX Sports and matchday previews have continued to flag Julio Enciso's injury as the biggest selection issue before kickoff, while no other major confirmed absences have surfaced from the final squad.
Latest lineup notes: Richards is available, the U.S. goalkeeper choice still feels open, and Enciso remains the main Paraguay call to watch.
| Player | Team | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Richards | United States | Available | Cleared after ankle recovery |
| Matt Turner | United States | Available | Competing with Matt Freese for the starting spot |
| Julio Enciso | Paraguay | Major doubt | Injury suffered in the Nicaragua friendly |
| Ramon Sosa | Paraguay | In contention | Leading option if Enciso does not start |
United States vs Paraguay — Key Tactical Battle
The sharpest battle sits in the half-spaces either side of Tyler Adams. United States want Pulisic, Tillman, and McKennie receiving on the turn, while Paraguay need Cubas and Bobadilla blocking those first inside passes.
Paraguay can still threaten if Almiron and Sosa run behind Robinson and Dest after turnovers. Set pieces also matter because Gustavo Gomez and Alderete give Paraguay a real aerial edge.
| Role | United States | Paraguay |
|---|---|---|
| Build-up shape | Adams stays central while Dest tucks inside | Cubas shields the back line and releases Gomez forward |
| Primary transition threat | Pulisic and Weah attacking wide spaces | Almiron and Sosa breaking behind the full-backs |
| Main aerial target | Balogun, Richards, Ream | Gustavo Gomez, Alderete, Sanabria |
Dead-ball phases could swing the match because Paraguay look stronger in pure aerial duels. United States need clean first contacts if they want to control the opener.
Match Details
| Key Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, June 12, 2026 |
| Kickoff Time | 9:00 PM ET / 1:00 AM UTC |
| Venue | Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood |
| Stage | FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage |
| Referee | yet to be confirmed |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the predicted United States lineup against Paraguay?
United States are projected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 with Matt Turner in goal, Chris Richards partnering Tim Ream, and Folarin Balogun leading the attack.
Is Julio Enciso available for United States vs Paraguay?
Julio Enciso remains a major doubt for United States vs Paraguay after the injury he suffered against Nicaragua in Paraguay's final warm-up game.
When does United States vs Paraguay start?
United States vs Paraguay starts at 9:00 PM ET on Friday, June 12, 2026. The match will be played at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood.
What formation will Paraguay use against United States?
Paraguay are projected to use a 4-3-3 shape, with Andres Cubas screening midfield and Miguel Almiron plus Ramon Sosa supporting Antonio Sanabria.
If you want the confirmed team sheets, check again close to kickoff because the final XI can still change late.
The projected lineups already show the likely shape of the game, with the United States expected to press higher and Paraguay expected to attack space on the break.
Read Also: United States vs Paraguay — FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage Preview and Prediction
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