Paraguay vs USA: 2026 FIFA World Cup Preview, Kick-Off Time, Team News & How to Watch

The moment a generation of American soccer fans has been waiting for finally arrives tomorrow night as tournament co-hosts the United States officially kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. In a high-stakes Group D opener, the Stars and Stripes will welcome South American side Paraguay to a rocking, star-studded Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) in Inglewood, California, USA.

For Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT squad, the tournament marks the absolute peak of home expectations. Having prepared meticulously through intense structural tuning—including a tight 2-1 friendly victory over this same Paraguayan team late last year—the Americans look primed for the global stage. Led by captain Christian Pulisic and backed by a robust midfield anchor featuring Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, the U.S. will look to impose their high-energy, progressive style early on.

History is also on the horizon for the backline: if 38-year-old veteran center-back Tim Ream takes the pitch, he will officially become the oldest player ever to represent the United States at a men’s FIFA World Cup. Conversely, Gustavo Alfaro’s La Albirroja squad arrive in Los Angeles carrying the hopes of a nation ending a 16-year wait to return to the world stage. Paraguay locked down their spot with a highly competitive CONMEBOL qualification campaign and finalized their match fitness with a convincing 4-0 warm-up win over Nicaragua. Armed with the technical attacking threat of dynamic star Julio Enciso and Newcastle’s Miguel Almirón, the South Americans will rely on a compact, uncompromising mid-block designed to absorb American pressure and break forward with lethal precision.

Match Schedule & Kick-Off Times

The highly anticipated Group D clash is scheduled for Friday, June 12, 2026 (local US time). Depending on which part of the world you are tracking the action from, here are the official kickoff times:

Local Los Angeles Time (PT): Friday, June 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM PT
United States & Canada (EST): Friday, June 12, 2026, at 9:00 PM EST
Asunción / Paraguay Time: Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 10:00 PM
United Kingdom & Ireland (BST): Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 2:00 AM BST
Saudi Arabia, Egypt & Palestine Time (EEST): Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 4:00 AM EEST

Where to Watch (TV & Streaming Channels)

Soccer fans across North America, South America, Europe, and the Middle East can catch every minute of this competitive World Cup opening fixture through these official broadcasters:

In North America (USA & Canada):
- English Coverage: Broadcasted live on television nationwide via FOX, with digital live streaming available through the FOX Sports App and specialized multi-sport packages like Fubo TV.
- Spanish Coverage: Accessible on television via Telemundo or digitally streamed via ViX and Peacock.
- Canadian Coverage: Fully accessible live across the country on TSN and RDS (French).
In South America & Paraguay:
- Official Broadcasters: The match will be broadcasted live across Paraguay via regional sports affiliates carrying the tournament, with continental South American tracking handled by premium networks like TyC Sports and DSPORTS.
In the Middle East & North Africa (MENA):
- TV & Live Stream: The match will be broadcasted live across the dedicated beIN SPORTS World Cup channels, with premium digital streaming available for regional subscribers via the TOD Application or beIN CONNECT.
In Europe & the United Kingdom:
- UK Coverage: Broadcasted live on television via free-to-air options on the BBC and ITV1, with digital live streaming fully accessible through BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
- Continental Europe: Fans in Germany, Austria, and select territories can stream the full match live on the DAZN network.