USA vs Paraguay
World Cup 2026
Team USA opens the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on June 12. The first US home group stage match draws peak demand — tickets, parking, and transportation all require advance planning.
Match Overview
USA vs Paraguay is the opening group stage match for the US national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kickoff time confirmed by FIFA — check FIFA.com for the official schedule. SoFi Stadium gates open approximately 2 hours before kickoff.
SoFi Stadium holds 70,240 fans for NFL events and expands for World Cup matches. Located at 1001 Stadium Drive in Inglewood — 3 miles from LAX and accessible via Metro K Line to Westchester/Veterans station.
A win for the USA vs Paraguay on June 12 sets up a strong position heading into the June 25 Turkey match. In the 2026 expanded 48-team format, 3 of every 4 group teams typically advance — but the home opener is the match that sets the tone for the entire US World Cup run.
USA vs Paraguay is expected to sell out SoFi Stadium. The US national team's home group stage opener draws the largest American soccer crowd of the year. Arrive early — security lines for World Cup matches are longer than standard NFL game days.
USA vs Paraguay Tickets
Official tickets through FIFA.com only. Third-party platforms carry counterfeit risk.
How to Buy
- Go to FIFA.com/tickets and log in or create your FIFA account
- Check the FIFA-authorized peer-to-peer resale platform within your account dashboard for available tickets
- For premium guaranteed access, visit fifaworldcup.com/hospitality for FIFA Hospitality packages
- Check FIFA.com frequently as match day approaches — last-minute official releases sometimes occur 48 to 72 hours before kickoff
- Do NOT use StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, or similar platforms — FIFA's rotating barcodes mean unauthorized resale tickets fail at the gate
Getting to SoFi Stadium — June 12
- From LAX: Free LAX People Mover to Aviation/LAX station, then K Line to Westchester/Veterans — 25 to 35 minutes
- From Downtown LA: K Line from 7th St/Metro Center to Westchester/Veterans — 35 to 45 minutes
- Walk: approximately 15 minutes from Westchester/Veterans to SoFi south gate
- Fare: $1.75 with a TAP card — completely bypasses all road traffic
- Post-match: arrive at the station within 20 minutes of final whistle to avoid long waits
- Access from 405, 105, or 110 freeways — exit at Century Blvd or Prairie Ave
- Official lots pre-purchase only through the SoFi Stadium app (no walk-up sales on match day)
- Lots 1–3 adjacent: $80–$100, sell out weeks before June 12
- Lots 4–7 mid-distance: $50–$70, 10 to 15 minute walk
- Remote shuttle lots: $30–$40 with shuttle included
- Century Blvd traffic on June 12 is severe — budget 60+ extra minutes vs normal
- Dropoff and pickup at designated zone on Prairie Ave — not Century Blvd
- Surge pricing will be significant on June 12 — pre-schedule or plan alternate transport
- Post-match wait times of 20 to 40 minutes are common at major SoFi events
- From LAX: typically 10 minutes in normal conditions; expect 30 to 45 minutes on match day
- The Metro K Line is more reliable and dramatically cheaper on high-demand match days
Best Seats for USA vs Paraguay at SoFi Stadium
Both goals visible. Track team shape, pressing sequences, and tactical runs end-to-end. The premium choice for fans who want to see the full game.
High tactical view preferred by many soccer fans. See full team formations. Significantly cheaper than lower bowl — a strong pick if center sideline lower bowl is out of reach.
Maximum intensity for goal-mouth moments. End-on view means you sacrifice full-pitch visibility for proximity to the action and the loudest supporter sections.
Obstructed or extreme-angle views. Corner upper sections at SoFi provide poor sightlines for soccer — the pitch runs lengthwise and corner views cut off one side of the play.
USA vs Paraguay World Cup 2026 — FAQs
When is USA vs Paraguay World Cup 2026?
USA vs Paraguay is played on June 12, 2026 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. This is the opening group stage match for the United States national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Specific kickoff time will be confirmed by FIFA closer to match day — check FIFA.com for the official time. SoFi Stadium gates open approximately 2 hours before kickoff for World Cup matches.
Where is USA vs Paraguay played in the 2026 World Cup?
USA vs Paraguay is played at SoFi Stadium, located at 1001 Stadium Drive in Inglewood, California — approximately 3 miles from LAX airport. SoFi Stadium is the primary World Cup 2026 venue for the Los Angeles area, hosting 8 total matches including 5 group stage games, 2 Round of 32 matches, and a Quarterfinal.
How do I buy tickets for USA vs Paraguay World Cup 2026?
Tickets for USA vs Paraguay on June 12 are sold exclusively through the official FIFA ticketing platform at FIFA.com/tickets. No third-party platform — including Ticketmaster, StubHub, SeatGeek, or AXS — sells official primary tickets for FIFA World Cup matches. Primary ticket phases have largely closed. For remaining inventory: (1) Check the FIFA-authorized peer-to-peer resale platform within your FIFA.com account, where ticket holders list regularly as plans change. (2) FIFA Hospitality packages at fifaworldcup.com/hospitality include a guaranteed ticket plus catering and exclusive lounge access. (3) FIFA sometimes releases last-minute official inventory 72 to 48 hours before kickoff — check FIFA.com frequently as the match approaches.
Are USA vs Paraguay World Cup 2026 tickets still available?
USA vs Paraguay (June 12) is the most anticipated group stage match in the Los Angeles World Cup schedule — the US national team's first home group stage game draws peak demand. Official primary tickets have largely sold through. Options still available: FIFA-authorized peer-to-peer resale within your FIFA.com account (verified sellers, rotating digital barcodes that work in the FIFA app), and FIFA Hospitality bundles which include a guaranteed ticket. Avoid StubHub, Vivid Seats, Craigslist, and similar unauthorized platforms — FIFA's rotating barcodes mean tickets purchased outside the official system frequently fail to scan at the gate.
How much do USA vs Paraguay World Cup 2026 tickets cost?
Official FIFA ticket pricing for USA vs Paraguay at SoFi Stadium by category: Category 4 (upper deck, obstructed): $29 to $50. Category 3 (upper deck center): $50 to $85. Category 2 (lower bowl corner/end): $100 to $130. Category 1 (lower bowl center sideline): $150 to $200. On the FIFA-authorized resale market, USA vs Paraguay resale prices reflect the host-nation premium: Category 3 resale runs $200 to $500+; Category 1 center sideline resale runs $500 to $1,500+. Prices typically rise the week before June 12 as the match approaches. FIFA Hospitality packages with guaranteed Category 1 access and premium catering start at $600 to $2,000+ per person.
How do I get to SoFi Stadium for USA vs Paraguay on June 12?
The Metro K Line (Crenshaw/LAX Line) is the strongly recommended option for June 12. Take the free LAX People Mover from baggage claim to Aviation/LAX station, then board the K Line toward Downtown LA and exit at Westchester/Veterans station — a 15-minute walk to SoFi Stadium's south gate. Total from LAX: 25 to 35 minutes. K Line fare: $1.75 with a TAP card. From Downtown LA (7th St/Metro Center), the K Line takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes. Driving: SoFi Stadium is accessible from the 405, 105, and 110 freeways. Century Blvd traffic on June 12 will be significantly heavier than typical NFL game days — budget 60+ extra minutes if driving. Rideshare: Uber/Lyft pickup and dropoff at the designated zone on Prairie Ave; surge pricing will be significant.
Where should I park for USA vs Paraguay World Cup 2026?
SoFi Stadium parking for World Cup 2026 is pre-purchase only through the SoFi Stadium app — no walk-up sales on match days. Lots 1 to 3 (adjacent to stadium): $80 to $100, 2 to 5 minute walk. These lots will sell out weeks in advance for June 12 — purchase the moment your FIFA ticket is confirmed. Lots 4 to 7 (mid-distance): $50 to $70, 10 to 15 minute walk. Remote shuttle lots: $30 to $40 with shuttle service included. The Metro K Line eliminates the parking problem entirely at $1.75 per ride and is faster than driving on match day.
What are the best seats for USA vs Paraguay at SoFi Stadium?
For USA vs Paraguay on June 12, the best seats depend on your priority. Best full-pitch view: lower bowl center sideline sections (C104 to C111, C128 to C137) — you see both goals, read team shape, and track the full 105-meter pitch. These are Category 1 (highest price, first to sell out). Best value: 300-level upper deck center sections deliver a high tactical view popular with soccer fans who want to see team formations and pressing sequences — typically at Category 2 to 3 pricing. Best atmosphere: end-zone lower bowl sections directly behind the goals create maximum intensity for goal-mouth action at the cost of full-pitch visibility. Avoid corner upper sections for tactical viewing. For the USA opener, any seat will be a memorable experience — the US fan base will fill SoFi Stadium to 70,000+.
What is the kickoff time for USA vs Paraguay on June 12?
FIFA confirms specific kickoff times for each match closer to the tournament start. For US national team matches, broadcast windows are typically set by the rights-holding US broadcasters (Fox Sports and Telemundo for the 2026 World Cup). For matches at SoFi Stadium, expect kickoff times in the 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM PT range to accommodate national broadcast schedules. Check FIFA.com and Fox Sports for the confirmed June 12 kickoff time once announced.
What group is Team USA in for the 2026 World Cup?
Team USA is confirmed to play Paraguay on June 12 and Turkey on June 25 as the two group stage matches at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. These are both home games for the US national team on the Hollywood Park campus. The 2026 FIFA World Cup expands to 48 teams and uses a new group stage format with 12 groups of 4 teams — the top 2 from each group plus 8 best third-place teams advance to the Round of 32. A win vs Paraguay on June 12 puts the USA in a strong position heading into the June 25 Turkey match.
Has the USA ever played Paraguay in a World Cup before?
Yes. The United States and Paraguay have met in the FIFA World Cup previously, most notably in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Paraguay eliminated the United States 1-0 in that match. The 2026 group stage meeting at SoFi Stadium on June 12 gives the US national team a home-crowd rematch in Los Angeles with the full backing of 70,000+ fans.
What time do SoFi Stadium gates open for USA vs Paraguay?
SoFi Stadium gates open approximately 2 hours before kickoff for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. FIFA recommends arriving 2 to 2.5 hours before kickoff for international matches due to the larger international audience and more extensive security processing compared to NFL games. Have your FIFA mobile ticket visible in the official FIFA app before reaching the gate — paper printouts are not accepted. TAP card ready if using Metro.
What bag policy applies for USA vs Paraguay at SoFi Stadium?
SoFi Stadium's standard clear bag policy applies for all World Cup 2026 matches. Permitted: clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12x6x12 inches. Small clutch bags up to 4.5x6.5 inches without the clear-bag requirement. Not permitted: backpacks, non-clear bags, or any oversized bag. FIFA may implement additional security measures beyond the standard NFL policy — check FIFA.com and official SoFi Stadium communications closer to June 12 for any World Cup-specific restrictions. Have your FIFA app ticket visible before reaching the security checkpoint.
What hotels are closest to SoFi Stadium for USA vs Paraguay on June 12?
The closest hotels to SoFi Stadium within walking distance: Hilton Garden Inn Inglewood (3 City Boulevard West, approximately 0.4 miles from Kia Forum and 1.5 miles from SoFi). For the Hollywood Park campus, the nearest major hotels are along the LAX corridor — a 5 to 15 minute rideshare: Hyatt Regency LAX, Renaissance Los Angeles Airport Hotel, Westin Los Angeles Airport, Marriott Los Angeles Airport, and Courtyard by Marriott LAX. For June 12, hotels within 5 miles of SoFi Stadium will likely be sold out or significantly elevated in price. Book immediately if you need accommodation.
How far is SoFi Stadium from LAX for USA vs Paraguay?
SoFi Stadium in Inglewood is approximately 3 miles from Los Angeles International Airport — one of the most airport-convenient World Cup venues in the entire 2026 tournament. By Metro K Line: Aviation/LAX station to Westchester/Veterans station is 25 to 35 minutes and $1.75 with a TAP card. By rideshare: under 10 minutes in normal conditions, 30 to 45 minutes on June 12 match day. For international fans flying into LAX specifically for USA vs Paraguay, the stadium proximity is a significant advantage.
What should I know about attending USA vs Paraguay if I am a Paraguay fan?
SoFi Stadium is a welcoming, family-oriented venue. Paraguay supporters are welcome and the stadium security team ensures a safe environment for all fans. Paraguay has a significant diaspora in the United States, and a meaningful number of Paraguay fans will be present on June 12 at SoFi Stadium. Bring your Paraguay jersey, flag (handheld flags only — no large banners or poles permitted by FIFA rules), and get there early. The supporter atmosphere at World Cup matches in the United States is a unique blend of different national fan cultures — June 12 in Los Angeles will include fans from across Latin America alongside the US home crowd.
Is USA vs Paraguay a decisive match for US World Cup qualification?
In the 2026 World Cup's new 48-team, 12-group format, each group has 4 teams. The top 2 from each group advance automatically, plus the 8 best third-place teams. This means 3 of the 4 teams in each group typically advance. A win against Paraguay on June 12 puts the USA in an excellent position for the June 25 Turkey match. A draw still keeps US qualification very much alive. Even a loss to Paraguay on June 12 does not eliminate the USA — they would need strong results in subsequent matches, but the expanded format gives more margin for error than past World Cup formats.