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The U.S. men's national team closed out its two pre-World Cup tune-up matches on a strong note—claiming an exciting 3–2 victory over Senegal and suffering a respectable 2–1 defeat to Germany this week. Now, all American eyes shift to soccer's biggest stage, being hosted on home soil for the first time since 1994, with the tournament opener set for Friday against Paraguay in Los Angeles.
As the U.S. chases a memorable run in front of home crowds at the largest World Cup in history, the team appears perfectly positioned for a deep run. The squad's quality has never been higher, with a record 100% of players competing in top-flight domestic leagues. USMNT talisman Christian Pulisic, affectionately dubbed "Captain America," has rediscovered his best form after an extended scoring slump and is performing at peak level, while the team is displaying a clear identity built on determination, confidence and a touch of grit.
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"It was an incredible test for us, to see how we respond, how we demonstrate character, how we show unity, how we perform under pressure," USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino said following the Germany friendly. "We faced one of the most formidable sides in the world. I think we should be pleased with that...I am extremely proud of the commitment and the way the team performed."
Pochettino is thrilled with where his side stands, and the USMNT enter Group D as the clear frontrunners, with matches against Australia and Türkiye to follow in games two and three. That said, the Argentine tactician still has several decisions to make ahead of Friday's showdown at SoFi Stadium, most notably his starting eleven.
Here, Sports Illustrated predicts the USMNT's starting lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Paraguay.
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USMNT Predicted Lineup vs. Paraguay—World Cup Opener
Having played the full 90 minutes in the friendly against Germany on Saturday, it is clear that Matt Freese is Pochettino's preferred starting goalkeeper. The 27-year-old MLS standout for New York City FC has taken the starting role from long-serving veteran Matt Turner, 31, who was a key figure between the posts at the 2022 World Cup.
Pochettino will likely deploy a three-center-back system on Friday, a formation he leaned on during the recent friendlies as well as last fall's October and November international windows. 21-year-old Alex Freeman, the youngest member of the U.S. squad, appears to have secured a starting berth at right center back. Known as a fullback capable of seamlessly shifting into a more central role, he also brings an attacking mentality that is central to the U.S.'s bold new identity.
Following one too many costly mistakes from center back Miles Robinson, Mark McKenzie looks set to replace him in the heart of the defense. Both center backs are essentially stand-ins for Chris Richards, who is recovering from an ankle injury sustained last month. Richards, the team's defensive cornerstone and the 2025 U.S. Soccer Player of the Year, missed both friendlies but is expected to be fully fit by Friday's match, having rejoined full team training on Monday without restrictions. Even so, Richards is unlikely to start, with Pochettino expected to ease him back gradually, potentially bringing him on in the second half.
U.S. captain Tim Ream, the oldest player on the roster at 38, will anchor the left center back position after a noticeably improved display against Germany compared to his outing against Senegal. He looked far more composed on Saturday, sitting deeper in his own half and winning the ball back from German attackers on several occasions.
The midfield will be anchored by proven European stars Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Malik Tillman. Adams, of Premier League side Bournemouth, will operate as the defensive midfielder, linking up with Bayer Leverkusen's Tillman and Juventus's McKennie, both of whom bring an attacking edge alongside tremendous versatility. The trio will combine effectively through the center of the pitch, though expect flashes of individual brilliance from Tillman and McKennie out wide as well.
Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest have established themselves as the standout options on the flanks. Robinson, whether through his blistering pace down the left side, tireless work rate, or sheer athleticism (including literal backflips), has everything needed to become a fan favorite this summer. Meanwhile, Dest's sharp instincts and ability to link up with the forwards make him an essential presence from the first whistle.
Pulisic and Folarin Balogun will be Pochettino's primary attacking weapons this summer. AC Milan's Pulisic has a magnetic relationship with the ball that consistently draws him into dangerous areas, either to finish chances himself or to deliver decisive passes to well-positioned teammates. Balogun, meanwhile, seems to live and breathe goals. The AS Monaco striker netted 19 times across all competitions last season—he just needs to keep a closer eye on the offside line.