Richards ready, USMNT open World Cup against Paraguay

Richards says "I'm ready" for opener

Chris Richards has declared himself fully fit for the United States' World Cup opener against Paraguay on Friday. The Crystal Palace defender has recovered from an ankle injury that had threatened his availability. "I'm ready," Richards said (3). His return gives Gregg Berhalter a full-strength backline for the group stage kickoff.

Paraguay up first on home soil

The USMNT begins its 2026 World Cup campaign Friday against Paraguay at home. It is the opening match of a Group D that also includes Türkiye and Australia, and the forecast calls this group "one that could get wild" (4). The US enter as favorites but face real tests – Paraguay are a physically organized side that will not roll over on opening night (1).

Betting angle: US seen as solid favorite

Proven soccer expert Martin Green has released his best bets and props for the United States' World Cup campaign (2). The US are expected to handle Paraguay in the opener, but the group stage path beyond that is uncertain, with Türkiye looming as a serious challenger for the top spot (4).

Fan-reaktioner

The mood heading into Friday is complicated. Fan forums are buzzing less about Paraguay and more about the backdrop: Iranian players speaking openly about the tension of competing on American soil, and reports that Côte d'Ivoire supporters have been denied entry visas entirely. The World Cup is here, and the off-field storylines are already piling up.