U.S. Soccer coach Mauricio Pochettino selected Matt Freese to start in goal over Matt Turner for the Group D World Cup match against Paraguay on June 12, 2026, at Los Angeles Stadium [1, 2]. Paraguay’s coach Gustavo Alfaro named Orlando Gill as their starting goalkeeper for the match [1, 2].
Paraguay included a surprise starter in Julio Enciso, who was recovering from a recent injury but will be making his first appearance of the tournament [1, 2]. The U.S. lineup features defender Chris Richards, returning to the field after recovering from an ankle injury sustained during training [1, 2].
Folarin Balogun and Christian Pulisic are set to lead the U.S. attack, with captain Tim Ream heading the defensive unit [1, 2]. This Group D match marks the first World Cup game hosted in the U.S. for the expanded 48-team tournament format [1, 2].
The game on June 12 will be a key opening fixture at the Los Angeles Stadium, drawing attention as the U.S. begins its World Cup campaign on home soil.