ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The United States faces Paraguay in both teams’ first group stage game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
It’s a matchup that will test both teams’ ability to manage emotion, according to soccer analyst Jason Longshore.
Longshore, host of Atlanta Soccer Tonight on 92.9 The Game and part of the Soccer Down Here Network, said Paraguay will likely sit back and defend while trying to counter-attack. The team features two Atlanta United players: Miguel Almirón and Matias Galarza.
“We know Miguel Almirón’s pace and how dangerous he can be out in open space,” Longshore said. “Matias Galarza, probably not expected to start tonight, but expected to play. He’s been really good in this midfield.”
Paraguay is making its first World Cup appearance since 2010. Diego Gomez, one of the team’s star players, was emotional at the pregame press conference.
“That emotion is going to be a lot to deal with for the U.S., who are also going to be emotional,” Longshore said. “This is the first home World Cup game since 1994. You’ve got to manage the emotion in this match, and I think whoever does that best is probably going to end up coming out on the good side of it.”
U.S. needs strong start to energize crowd
Longshore said the U.S. team needs to start strong to get the crowd engaged, similar to how Mexico scored in the first 15 minutes of their opening match at Estadio Azteca.
“When you can start fast and start really strong, then the crowd amps up and gets louder,” he said. “If this team can start well tonight, but start well in the tournament, then you’re going to get momentum building into Game 2 and into Game 3 and hopefully beyond that.”
Right side could be X-factor for U.S.
Longshore identified the right side of the U.S. formation as a potential X-factor. Sergino Dest, the wingback, is fully healthy after injuries throughout the spring.
“In 1v1 situations on the dribble, he’s the best player the U.S. has,” Longshore said.
Behind Dest is Alex Freeman, son of former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Antonio Freeman. Freeman joined Villarreal in Spain six months ago and forced his way into the team after a midseason arrival.
“Alex Freeman behind Dest allows Dest to be higher up the field, take his chances,” Longshore said. “When that right side can pin Paraguay in, the U.S. can do damage tonight.”
Round of 16 expected, quarterfinals possible
Longshore said the round of 16 is where the U.S. should be, with quarterfinals possible depending on the draw. The U.S. is ranked in the top 20.
“This is a winnable group. It’s also a group with three games that are all tough, even though you’re going to be favored in every one,” he said. “I think it’s the group of death in the tournament because somebody good is going to go home for sure.”
Longshore picked Spain to win the tournament, citing their balance and midfield led by Pedri and Rodri, along with young rising star Lamine Yamal.
The United States and Paraguay face off in SoFi Stadium, renamed Los Angeles Stadium for the World Cup, at 9 p.m. Eastern Time.
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