USMNT Prepares for Paraguay Friendly Amid Key Injuries

Chester, Pennsylvania — Mauricio Pochettino‘s U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) is set to host Paraguay in a crucial friendly on Saturday, November 15, as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup. The match takes place at Subaru Park with kickoff scheduled for 5 PM ET.

Due to injuries, Pochettino will be without key players including Tyler Adams, Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Tim Weah. Weston McKennie, Chris Richards, and Malik Tillman have also been left out of this lineup but are anticipated to be part of the World Cup roster next summer.

This match, along with another against Uruguay on Tuesday, is a final opportunity for fringe players to showcase their skills. This is particularly significant for talents like Gio Reyna, Auston Trusty, and Tanner Tessmann, who all hope to secure spots on the World Cup squad.

Paraguay, led by head coach Gustavo Alfaro, recently qualified for their first World Cup since 2010, finishing their South American campaign with an impressive record. Star player Miguel Almirón, along with fellow Premier League players Julio Enciso and Diego Gómez, adds to Paraguay’s offensive threat. They have solidified their defense by conceding only 10 goals throughout 18 qualifying matches.

Pochettino is expected to experiment with his formation, possibly utilizing a back three, and key players like Folarin Balogun, Sergino Dest, and Tim Ream are likely to start, eyeing a place in the World Cup lineup.

The USMNT, despite numerous absences, aims to build on their disciplined performances in recent friendlies against Ecuador and Australia. Forward Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright also have opportunities to solidify their positions in the squad.

This match promises an engaging encounter as both teams seek to showcase emerging talents while building on their recent successes. With an offensive Paraguay and a reshaped USMNT, fans can expect an exciting contest.