📅 2026 World Cup Fixture: Group D · Friday, June 12, 2026 · SoFi Stadium, Inglewood

USA vs Paraguay carries World Cup history all the way back to 1930. The two nations met in the very first FIFA World Cup that year, where the USA won 3-0 in Montevideo. Nearly a century later, on Friday, June 12, 2026, the USMNT opens their home World Cup against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium.

The all-time record favors the United States, but Paraguay are physical, well-organized, and historically dangerous opponents. This is the match that will define how the host nation enters the tournament.

All-Time Head-to-Head Record

USA lead the all-time head-to-head between USA and Paraguay, who have met 7 times at senior international level since 1930.

7 Meetings

4 USA wins

1 Draws

2 Paraguay wins

 

Stat	USA	Paraguay
Total wins	4	2
Goals scored	9	5
Goals per match	1.29	0.71
Win rate	57%	29%

Last meetings between USA and Paraguay

Date	Competition	Home	Away	Score
Mar 27, 2022	Friendly	USA	Paraguay	1-0
Aug 29, 2007	Friendly	USA	Paraguay	3-1
Mar 7, 2007	Friendly	Paraguay	USA	3-1
Feb 18, 1998	Friendly	USA	Paraguay	1-0
Jul 19, 1995	Copa América	Paraguay	USA	1-0

Biggest wins for each side

USA's biggest result

USA 3–0 Paraguay, 1930 World Cup Group Stage, July 17, 1930, Montevideo — Bert Patenaude's brace and a third goal sent the USA to the World Cup semifinals at the very first tournament. It remains one of the greatest results in US Soccer history.

Paraguay's biggest result

Paraguay 1–0 USA, 1995 Copa América Group Stage — A tight, attritional defeat that showed Paraguay's tournament resilience.

The most famous match

1930 World Cup Group Stage — The very first meeting at the very first World Cup. The USA won 3-0 in Montevideo and went on to finish third — still their best ever World Cup result.

Top scorer in the rivalry

Bert Patenaude scored a brace in the 1930 World Cup meeting — recognized by FIFA in 2006 as the first ever hat-trick in World Cup history (vs Paraguay in the same tournament cycle, in the next match vs Paraguay).

2026 World Cup Preview

Key players: USA

Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Tim Weah, Yunus Musah, Folarin Balogun. Mauricio Pochettino's first World Cup as head coach.

Key players: Paraguay

Miguel Almirón, Julio Enciso, Antonio Sanabria, Diego Gómez, Junior Alonso. Manager Gustavo Alfaro brings tactical discipline.

Match prediction

Home advantage at SoFi, a stronger squad on paper, and a tournament-opening incentive give the USA the edge. USA 2-1 prediction.

How the 2026 World Cup match actually went

The USMNT opened their home World Cup with a 4-1 win at SoFi Stadium on June 12, 2026 — a Damian Bobadilla own goal, a Folarin Balogun brace, and a late Gio Reyna strike. The USA topped Group D, with Australia finishing second and Paraguay advancing anyway as one of the best third-placed teams.

For the official record, see FIFA's match centre for USA v Paraguay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score when USA played Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup?

The USA won 4-1 on June 12, 2026, at SoFi Stadium. Folarin Balogun scored twice, with Gio Reyna also on target in the USMNT's opening win.

What is the all-time head-to-head record between USA and Paraguay?

The United States lead the all-time record against Paraguay with 4 wins to Paraguay's 2, with 1 draw across 7 senior meetings since 1930. The USA have outscored Paraguay 9-5 across those matches.

When did USA last play Paraguay?

The USA's last meeting with Paraguay was a 1-0 friendly win on March 27, 2022, in Kansas City — Paul Arriola scored the winner in a tight match.

Have USA and Paraguay played at the World Cup?

Yes. USA and Paraguay met in the very first FIFA World Cup, at the 1930 tournament in Uruguay. The USA won 3-0 in the group stage and went on to finish third — still their best ever World Cup result.

Why is USA vs Paraguay historically significant?

It is the longest-running USA-South America fixture, dating back to the 1930 World Cup. The USA's 3-0 win in 1930 was part of their run to the semifinals — their best ever World Cup performance — and remains foundational in US Soccer history.

Who is the USMNT head coach for the 2026 World Cup?

Mauricio Pochettino is the head coach of the United States Men's National Team for the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine, formerly of Tottenham, PSG and Chelsea, took the role in September 2024.

 See Also: Spain vs Uruguay Head to Head: All-Time Record & 2026 Group H Preview

Last updated August 3, 2026, with the final World Cup 2026 result.