USMNT Kicks Off 2026 World Cup Campaign Against Paraguay in LA

The highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway, and the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) will play its opening match this Friday, June 12. As one of the three host nations, alongside Canada and Mexico, the U.S. team will kick off its campaign against Paraguay in a Group D fixture held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. This marks a significant moment for the expanded 48-team tournament, with the hosts eager to make an immediate impact.

Expectations are high for the USMNT, especially with key players like Christian Pulisic leading the charge. Their opponents, Paraguay, are known for their physical and disciplined style of play, which could make for a tightly contested and potentially low-scoring affair. A strong performance and a victory in this opening match are seen as crucial for setting a positive tone for the U.S. team's aspirations for a deep run in the tournament.

Fans across the nation can tune in to support the USMNT as the match is scheduled for a 9 p.m. ET kick-off. Live television coverage will be available on FOX for English-speaking audiences, while Telemundo will broadcast the game for Spanish speakers. This prime-time slot ensures that a wide audience will be able to witness the start of the United States' quest for World Cup glory on home turf.