The US men’s national soccer team kicks off its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The match is scheduled for 6 p.m. local time, or 9 p.m. EDT.
It’s a home opener in every sense. The US is co-hosting the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, and this year’s edition marks the first time 48 teams are competing, up from the traditional 32.
What’s happening on the field
Coach Mauricio Pochettino, the former Tottenham and Chelsea manager, is expected to deploy a squad that blends experienced internationals with younger players earning their first World Cup caps.
Paraguay is a familiar opponent. This will be the 10th meeting between the two nations in match history, a series that stretches all the way back to the 1930 World Cup. In that inaugural tournament, the US won 3-0.
