Paraguay open World Cup against hosts USA after 16-year wait

World Cup opener vs. USA on Saturday

Paraguay walk out at a World Cup for the first time in 16 years on Saturday, facing host nation USA in the Group D opener at 03:00 CET (1) (6) (9).

This is the moment. The Albirroja are back on the biggest stage, and the opponent couldn't be bigger, the tournament hosts, in their own stadium, with the world watching (5) (8).

Pochettino has already made clear he expects a battle. "Va a ser un partido muy duro," the USA coach said ahead of the match, it's going to be a very tough game (4).

Diego Gómez in tears alongside Alfaro

The weight of this moment is real. Diego Gómez broke down crying alongside coach Gustavo Alfaro in the buildup to Paraguay's World Cup return (3).

"Esto es lo que sentimos todos," Alfaro said, this is what we all feel (3).

After 16 years away, the emotion isn't manufactured. It's pouring out of the squad, and fans will feel every bit of it come kickoff.

Pochettino wary of Alfaro's Paraguay

Pochettino knows what's coming. Speaking before the opener, the USA manager specifically highlighted Alfaro's Paraguay as a dangerous opponent, not the kind of team a host nation wants to face first up (4) (9).

Paraguay are being talked about as a real threat, not a ceremonial opening act. The pressure sits squarely on the hosts (7) (10).