"The run-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup began in earnest on Friday, with the group-by-group draw for the 48-team field revealed. (Eventually. After musical performances, the typical FIFA- and Kennedy Center-style bombast and, for some reason, Kevin Hart.) The complete schedule won't be revealed until Saturday -- why rush, right? -- but we know who, where and when the tournament's hosts will play."
"Paraguay June 12 | Inglewood, California FIFA ranking: 39Elo ranking: 21 When the U.S. beat Paraguay 2-1 in Philadelphia last month, it was seen as a sign of solid progress -- Paraguay finished only one point outside of second in CONMEBOL qualification, beating Brazil (1-0), Argentina (2-1) and Uruguay (2-0) at home and finishing with more qualification wins than losses for the first time since 2010."
"Paraguay boast some familiar faces for American fans: Veteran winger Miguel Almirón plays for Atlanta United again after a long stint at Newcastle United, and 22-year-old midfielder Diego Gómez has been a breakout performer for Brighton & Hove Albion this season in the Premier League. Strasbourg's 21-year-old Julio Enciso is quickly making a name for himself as well. But the meat of this squad plays in South America -- captain Gustavo Gómez, with his 86 caps, plays for Palmeiras, as does midfielder Ramón Sosa, and a majority of their 26-man roster will likely hail from clubs in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay."
The 2026 World Cup group-by-group draw revealed the U.S. group opponents while the full schedule remains pending. The U.S. could face multiple teams it already played in 2025, including Australia, Paraguay and Türkiye. The U.S. will play Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood; Paraguay entered with a FIFA ranking of 39 and an Elo ranking of 21. The U.S. beat Paraguay 2-1 in Philadelphia in November, and Paraguay finished narrowly outside CONMEBOL's top two, recording home victories over Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Paraguay mixes Europe-based talents like Diego Gómez and Julio Enciso with a core playing for South American clubs, including captain Gustavo Gómez and Ramón Sosa.
Read at ESPN.com
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