USMNT Clashes with Paraguay in High-Stakes Friendly: Team Lineups, Bold Predictions and Match Preview
The United States men's national soccer team welcomes Paraguay to Subaru Park this Saturday for their opening international friendly of two scheduled for November.
The USMNT enters this training camp missing key players including Christian Pulisic, Malik Tillman, Chris Richards, Tim Weah and Weston McKennie. Adding to the challenges, Tyler Adams withdrew from the squad due to injury, presenting head coach Mauricio Pochettino with tactical dilemmas to address.
The Argentine tactician likely has a clear vision of which players will feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad barring fitness concerns, yet several roster positions remain open with numerous players eager to stake their claim against Paraguay.
The Stars and Stripes carry positive momentum into this match. Following a disappointing defeat to South Korea in September, Pochettino switched to a 3-4-3 system and performances have improved significantly. Victories over Japan and Australia, combined with a draw versus Ecuador, have renewed optimism within the USMNT setup. Maintaining this upward trajectory will be crucial as the calendar year concludes.
Sports Illustrated provides coverage of the USMNT's international friendly versus Paraguay.
What Time Does USMNT vs. Paraguay Kick-Off?
USMNT vs. Paraguay Head-to-Head Record (All Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
USMNT | Paraguay |
|---|---|
USMNT 2–1 Australia - 10/14/25 | South Korea 2–0 Paraguay - 10/14/25 |
USMNT 1–1 Ecuador - 10/10/25 | Japan 2–2 Paraguay - 10/10/25 |
USMNT 2–0 Japan - 9/9/25 | Peru 0–1 Paraguay - 9/9/25 |
USMNT 0–2 South Korea - 9/6/25 | Paraguay 0–0 Ecuador - 9/4/25 |
USMNT 1–2 Mexico - 7/6/25 | Brazil 1–0 Paraguay - 6/10/25 |
How to Watch USMNT vs. Paraguay on TV, Live Stream
Language | Channel |
|---|---|
English | fuboTV, Sling TV, TNT, Peacock, HBO Max, Prime Video USA |
Spanish | Telemundo, Universo |
USMNT Team News
Pochettino must work without established stars including Pulisic, Adams, Weah, McKennie, Tillman and Richards.
Though this significant roster turnover might create on-field challenges, November also provides a chance to assess peripheral players. Individuals like Gio Reyna, Cristian Roldan, Aidan Morris, Sebastian Berhalter and Brenden Aaronson should see action during this camp as they compete for 2026 World Cup inclusion.
Reyna emerges as particularly noteworthy considering the absence of Pulisic, Tillman and Weah. The Borussia Monchengladbach talent will likely feature in the attacking third on the right wing, seeking to catch the Argentine's attention. An impressive performance could significantly boost his chances of securing a 2026 roster position.
At center-back, Pochettino's options are mainly limited to Tim Ream, Mark McKenzie and Miles Robinson. Ream appears to be a guaranteed starter, while McKenzie and Robinson compete for a starting berth in 2026. Auston Trusty might also receive playing time.
November additionally provides Max Arfsten and Alex Freeman two more chances to secure the starting wingback positions in Pochettino's revised 3-4-3 formation. These two MLS performers have been regularly utilized under Pochettino's guidance.
USMNT Predicted Lineup vs. Paraguay
USMNT predicted lineup vs. Paraguay (3-4-3): Freese; Robinson, McKenzie, Ream; Freeman, Tessman, Roldan, Arfsten; Reyna, Balogun, Luna.
Paraguay Team News
La Albirroja arrives at this friendly in uncertain form, securing victory in only one of their previous five matches across all competitions. More troubling is their offensive output of merely three goals during this stretch, posting a 1-2-2 record.
Diego Gómez aims to create opportunities in the final third as one of Paraguay's most threatening attackers. The Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder found the net against Japan during October's international window and netted twice against Leeds United earlier this month.
Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro will also depend on an MLS contingent featuring Andres Cubas, Braian Ojeda and Miguel Almirón. This trio could exploit weaknesses against a restructured USMNT midfield and backline.
Paraguay Predicted Lineup vs. USMNT
Paraguay predicted lineup vs. USMNT (4-2-3-1): Fernández; Cáceres, G. Gómez, Alderete, Alonso; Ojeda, Cubas; Cuenca, D. Gómez, Almirón; Sanabria.
USMNT vs. Paraguay Score Prediction
While the USMNT may prioritize ongoing squad assessment, achieving a favorable outcome would significantly advance confidence in Pochettino's vision.
The tactical switch to a 3-4-3 setup has made the USMNT appear more organized in various game phases. Folarin Balogun will likely need to deliver outstanding link-up play similar to his performance against Ecuador.
Paraguay presents sufficient threats to find the scoresheet and challenge the home side, but the USMNT secures their third victory in four attempts.