USA vs Paraguay preview: Is Christian Pulisic ready to battle for group blitz?
If Christian Pulisic scores, the American team will win 21, draw 4, lose 2 only in 26 matches; Colin Coward and Bruce Arena's comments make it clear how crucial Pulisic's role will be in this opener. The aim is to secure the top three points in Group D.
A notable statistic adds to the excitement ahead of the World Cup opener in Los Angeles: Christian Pulisic's goal has led the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) to 21 wins, 4 draws, and just 2 losses in 26 matches. This statistic is by nature an indication of how far a team can run with Pulisic's energy.
Pulisic, 27, previously played for the U.S. Made 84 appearances for the team. He also has a higher average strikeout rate than Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan. But ahead of this upcoming opener, Pulisic has just one goal for the US since November 2024 — prompting questions about his form.
The facts speak for it: Pulisic is key to the team's success, says Colin Coward: "Set him up for success and it all rolls downhill after that." He added that — even with players like Weston McKennie, Serginio Destu, Tyler Adams, Christian Pulisic is the one who will be the one to execute the punishment.
Even former US coach Bruce Arena left no room for doubt. Speaking to Arina Cowherd: "Obviously, the starting point is to get three points tonight," saying that the starting point in this match is to get three points, and then we will be in a good position to win the group. While Australia and Türkiye are the non-American teams in Group D, a win in the first match will lead to the top spot in the points table.
Other Stats: America-Paraguay head-to-head record is 5-2-2. The last meeting between the pair was last November, with the US winning 2-1. Moreover, this will be the second time the two teams have met at the World Cup — the first being a narrow 3-0 victory for the US.
In other words, if Pulisic scores a single goal, he'll be on par with one of those Americans — Dempsey, Donovan, and Brian McBride — who have scored in multiple seasons at multiple World Cups. Colin Coward made it clear once again: "If he has a goal or an assist, we are exceptional. If he doesn't score, we are slightly above average." Ultimately, keeping Pulisic healthy and giving him opportunities will be the deciding factor in this contest for the US.
The American team, coached by Michael Pochettino, is looking for the first goal with the tactics and coordination of the players they face in this match. What the fans are seeing as an eclipse — if Pulisic scores a goal, historically the team is moving in the right direction.
Match Fixture: America vs Paraguay — Los Angeles (Group D Opener).