What happened: The United States Men’s National Team kicks off its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign this Friday against Paraguay in Los Angeles. The matchup follows a contentious November 2025 friendly where a late-game brawl highlighted the physical tension between the two sides. Defender Miles Robinson noted the team's aggressive mentality, emphasizing that the squad is ready to compete with a high-intensity edge.
Why it matters: This match marks the first World Cup appearance for Miles Robinson, who missed the 2022 tournament due to injury. A victory in the Group D opener is crucial for the U.S. as they look to build momentum before facing Australia and Türkiye later in the month. The history from their previous meeting suggests a high-stakes battle for early control of the group standings.
By the numbers: USA vs. Paraguay (Nov 2025): 2-1 W Miles Robinson: 40 USMNT caps, 3 goals Robinson (2026): 9 MLS starts
What to watch: The USMNT takes the field at SoFi Stadium on Friday, June 12, at 9:00 PM ET. Fans will be watching for the starting lineup to see if Robinson or Chris Richards anchors the backline.