USA vs Paraguay Bet Builder Tips: 11/1 punt for Group D opener

Group D of the FIFA World Cup gets underway in the early hours of Saturday morning (2am BST, 6pm local, live on BBC One) as the USA and Paraguay meet in Los Angeles.

As a host nation, there’s plenty of expectation surrounding Mauricio Pochettino’s side, while their South American opponents are back on the world stage for the first time since 2010. Read on for my USA vs Paraguay Bet Builder tips.

USA vs Paraguay Odds

USA to win

I’m expecting the USA to start their World Cup campaign with a win.

Their form heading into the World Cup hasn’t been great, but they won four of their last five games towards the end of 2025, which included a 2-1 win over Paraguay.

In addition, with the USA being on home turf, I think that’ll give Pochettino’s men a substantial advantage here, and will help them get over the line.

Christian Pulisic to have 2+ shots (Sub Switch)

Christian Pulisic is the top scorer in the USA squad, and the AC Milan winger averaged 1.80 shots per 90 minutes in Serie A this term.

Much of the attacking onus will be on the 27-year-old and Paraguay are a pragmatic, defensive team, so expect Pulisic to unleash multiple efforts at goal on Saturday.

With Betfred's new 'Sub Switch' feature, if your player gets substituted at any point in the match, your selection is switched to the next player!

Folarin Balogun to score anytime

Pochettino has a few attacking weapons at his disposal, including the likes of Haji Wright, a key member of Coventry City's Championship-winning side, and PSV Eindhoven forward Ricardo Pepi, who bagged 16 goals in the Eredivisie.

However, I’m backing Monaco front man Folarin Balogun to net anytime on Saturday, after the 24-year-old scored 13 times and recorded four assists in Ligue 1 this season – including 11 in his last 14 games.

With Betfred's new 'Sub Switch' feature, if your player gets substituted at any point in the match, your selection is switched to the next player!

Omar Alderete to be carded

Sunderland centre-back Omar Alderete rounds of this four-fold, and I’m backing the Paraguay international to find his way into the referee’s notebook.

The 29-year-old was sent off in the aforementioned 2-1 loss to the USA last year, and looks a prime suspect to be cautioned on Saturday, after committing 34 fouls and receiving six yellow cards in the Premier League this season.

With Betfred's new 'Sub Switch' feature, if your player gets substituted at any point in the match, your selection is switched to the next player!

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