USA vs Paraguay should be a great game. USA are one of the hosts for the 2026 World Cup and this is their first match, so they will be wanting to get off to a perfect start in front of the home crowd.
We can reveal our betting expert’s top tips for this match in Group D, and we’ll also introduce you to Playbook, which allows you to compare and place bets from some of the UK’s best betting sites in a smoother way than ever before.
What is Playbook?
The easiest way to understand what Playbook offers is to look at a practical example.
If you read on, you’ll see that we’re tipping Christian Pulisic to either score or register an assist in the USA’s opening World Cup match against Paraguay. Perhaps you disagree and feel Brenden Aaronson is more likely to be the main man. Rather than searching through multiple betting markets, you can simply post your selection directly to the Playbook feed on X.
In this instance, you’d post “@playbook Brenden Aaronson to score or assist USA vs Paraguay”.
Within moments, the Playbook bot will respond with a link to a pre-built betslip containing your requested selection from several leading betting apps, including bet365 and Paddy Power. It reduces the time spent navigating betting menus and makes it easier to create specific bets using natural language.
USA vs Paraguay betting tips & predictions
The United States begin their 2026 tournament campaign on home soil against a resilient Paraguay side in Los Angeles. The Group D opener kicks off at 2.00am (UK time) on Saturday, 13th June, and our expert has analysed the key markets, so read on for the analysis behind his selections.
- USA to win @ 19/20
- Over 18.5 Throw Ins for Paraguay @ 4/5
- Christian Pulisic to score or assist @ 6/5
Hosts Tipped for Crucial Opening Victory
The USA are favourites to begin their tournament with a victory against Paraguay, and the home advantage in a crucial first match could be a significant factor. An opening game often sets the tone for a team’s entire group stage, and the hosts cannot afford to drop points here against what is, on paper, a beatable opponent.
Paraguay make their return to the biggest stage after missing the previous three editions. Under manager Gustavo Alfaro, they have become a more organised unit, navigating a difficult South American qualifying campaign. However, this side is yet to be tested under the intense spotlight of a major international finals, which could play into the hands of a more experienced US squad.
Mauricio Pochettino’s tactical experience at the highest level of European football should provide the hosts with a clear edge. Paraguay’s game plan will likely revolve around a disciplined defence, as evidenced by their record of conceding just 0.6 goals per game during qualification. This approach often limits their attacking threat to counter-attacks, a strategy Pochettino is well-equipped to neutralise, particularly early in the competition while his players are fresh.
With the pressure on to perform in front of their own supporters, the value appears to lie with the hosts securing a vital three points to start their campaign on the front foot.
Tactical Clash Points to Throw-In Value
The tactical philosophy of Mauricio Pochettino is expected to heavily influence the flow of this match. His teams are renowned for their intense work rate off the ball and a proactive pressing style, which often forces opponents into wide areas and results in a high number of throw-ins conceded.
This pattern was evident in the USA’s warm-up fixtures for the tournament. In their 3-2 win over Senegal, their opponents registered 25 throw-ins. A similar story unfolded in the 2-1 defeat to Germany, where the Germans also ended the match with 25 throws. This suggests a consistent tactical approach that creates opportunities in this specific market.
Paraguay’s own statistics reinforce this angle. During the demanding South American qualifiers, they averaged 20.11 throw-ins per game, the highest in the entire confederation. They are comfortable playing without the ball and will likely cede possession, inviting the USA to press them in their own half.
Furthermore, in two matches during 2026 where Paraguay were priced as the underdog, this bet landed on both occasions. They recorded 22 throws against Morocco and 19 against Greece, indicating they can comfortably clear this line even when not controlling the game.
Pulisic Primed to Make an Impact
Christian Pulisic is unquestionably the standout talent for the USA and the focal point of their attack. As the top scorer in the current squad with 33 international goals, he carries the main creative and goalscoring burden for his nation. He is also just two goals shy of moving into fourth on the all-time USMNT scoring chart.
Coming off a productive season with AC Milan where he contributed eight goals and four assists in 30 Serie A appearances, Pulisic has demonstrated good form. His importance was highlighted in a recent friendly victory over Senegal, where he registered both a goal and an assist, showcasing his dual threat.
Crucially for this market, Pulisic is the designated penalty taker for the United States, adding another route to a goal contribution. Even if he doesn’t find the net himself, his role as the primary creator means he is heavily involved in the final third, linking up with teammates like Folarin Balogun and Weston McKennie to create scoring chances.
