Here's our USMNT lineup projection for World Cup opener vs. Paraguay

The USMNT is set to open the 2026 World Cup against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday night. Coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to field a lineup similar to the one used against Germany in a recent match, with defender Chris Richards, who had been nursing an ankle injury, declaring himself fit to play. Goalkeeper Matt Freese is among those projected to start in what the team views as a crucial opening match.