What happened: Vancouver Whitecaps teammates Andrés Cubas and Sebastian Berhalter are set to face off as Paraguay and the United States meet in their 2026 World Cup Group D opener. Cubas expressed the significance of the matchup, noting that lining up against his club counterpart on the global stage is a special milestone for both players.
Why it matters: The match begins Group D play at SoFi Stadium, where the USMNT looks to secure a strong start on home soil under Mauricio Pochettino. For Sebastian Berhalter, the fixture provides a chance to translate his MLS form into international success against a familiar and formidable defensive opponent in Cubas.
By the numbers: Group D Standings: USA (0 pts), Paraguay (0 pts), Australia (0 pts), Türkiye (0 pts). The nations last met in a November 2025 friendly, with the United States securing a 2-1 victory.
What to watch: Paraguay and the USA kick off tomorrow, June 13, at Los Angeles Stadium. The Americans will follow the opener with their second group match against Australia on June 18.