Team USA get the ball rolling on their World Cup 2026 campaign against Paraguay on Saturday from 02:00 BST. Betting expert Frank Monkhouse has three picks to consider.
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The wait is over, and World Cup 2026 is here. Fans across Planet Football will focus on cheering their team, but millions will also keep tabs on the hosts: the USA, Mexicoand Canada.
We catch a first glimpse of The Stars and Stripes in the early hours of Saturday morning UK time. The SoFi Stadium in Inglewood provides an impressive backdrop.
The USA take on Paraguaya clash you can follow on TV and legal live streaming apps. Victory and all three points would put the locals in a commanding position before their meeting with Australia in Seattle next week.
Taking six points is the goal for the USMNT. Will Mauricio Pochettino’s team deliver the perfect start? You can place bets now.
Team USA will enjoy the backing of a huge audience at the home of American Football favourites, the LA Rams and the LA Chargers.
Major bookmakers offer a wide range of pre-match betting markets, including match winner, total goals, and first scorer. Keep reading for the preview and predictions of football betting expert Frank Monkhouse at Flashscore.
USA v Paraguay tips
Under 2.5 goals @ 4/6 (bet365)
USA 1-0 Paraguay @ 11/2 (bet365)
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Match winner – USA
I’ll waste no time getting into USA vs Paraguay and picking sides. My first suggested bet worth a look is for The Stars and Stripes to defeat The Guaranies in California. When taking this approach, you’re not concerned by which player scores, the winning margin or even the result at half-time. If the USA beats Paraguay in World Cup Group D, you’ll secure a profit.
Why am I confident in a home win? There are a few reasons, and the latest stats at Flashscore make for interesting reading. The USA and Paraguay have met seven times previously, with the Americans winning five times and losing twice. Our pick was victorious in each of the previous three, a run that stretches back to June 2016 in the Copa America.
How did both nations perform in qualifying? Paraguay finished down in sixth place in the South American table. Stats of seven wins, seven draws, and four defeats allowed them to hold off Bolivia and book a spot at ‘We Are 26.’ They scored 14 goals and conceded 10. As hosts, the USA didn’t need to qualify but did beat Senegal 3-2 in a World Cup warm-up.
Bet explanation: If the USA beat Paraguay at the World Cup, you’ll beat the bookies and secure a profit on your bet.
Total goals – Under 2.5
The match-winner is the most popular way to bet on football, giving bettors a one-in-three chance of making a profit. However, it’s not the only option available. After researching the form of both teams and the latest betting odds available at bet365, I’m suggesting a bet on under 2.5 goals. You need USA v Paraguay to end with fewer than three goals scored.
When playing the total goals market, you’re not concerned with which team wins. A 1-0 victory for Pochettino pays the same as a 2-0 win for Gustavo Alfaro or a 1-1 draw. As long as USA v Paraguay ends with fewer than three goals scored by both teams combined, you’ll boost your betting balance. Under 2.5 goals landed when Portugal beat the USA 2-0 in April.
Looking at Paraguay’s recent scores, it’s worth noting that the team ranked 40th in the world by FIFA beat Greece 1-0. A bet on under 2.5 goals also landed in four of the seven matches involving America and Paraguay, including 1-0 and 2-0 results. I expect a home win, but a tense, low-scoring 90 minutes, with neither side taking any major risks this early.
Tip: Under 2.5 goals @ 4/6 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You need the USA v Paraguay to produce fewer than three goals from both teams combined.
Correct score – USA 1-0 Paraguay
Regular readers of my football previews know I like to sign off with a third bet at more attractive odds. These picks are aimed at satisfying lovers of a well-researched bet with a chance of landing a higher return. I’m happy to say I will try to stick with this strategy during the World Cup, where possible. With that in mind, I’m suggesting a bet on the correct score.
Visit the bet365 app and tap on Football-World Cup-USA vs Paraguay. Scroll to the correct score section and enter a 1-0 win for the Americans at odds of 11/2. If the match ends USA 1-0 Paraguay, you’ll deliver a substantial blow to the bookies. If the match ends with any score other than the one mentioned, your bet loses, and the traders keep your stake.
Returning to the head-to-head stats at Flashscore offers real encouragement. A bet on 1-0 landed in three of the last four meetings, including a 1-0 friendly win in 2018. Bobby Wood scored from the penalty spot that day on the stroke of half-time. A repeat performance would delight all in Pochettino’s camp, the USA fans, and bettors following my correct score pick.
Tip: USA 1-0 Paraguay @ 11/2 (bet365)
Bet explanation: If USA v Paraguay ends in a 1-0 win for the locals, your correct score bet wins at fantastic odds.
USA v Paraguay odds
Discover the Best Betting Bonuses
If you’re looking to take advantage of the World Cup 2026 matches for your bets, Flashscore is here to help. On our betting bonuses pageyou’ll find some of the best promotions and bonus codes on the market.
The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.
