Top five youngsters to watch during USA vs Paraguay FIFA World Cup 2026 match

USA will be keen to start their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a win.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is here. All 48 nations have their eyes on the ultimate prize in world football. All three host nations – Mexico, Canada, and the United States will be in action to open their respective groups.

Mauricio Pochettino’s US Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT) is set to kick off their campaign against CONMEBOL’s Paraguay on Saturday (IST). Ranked 16th in the FIFA Rankings, the co-hosts will be the favourites when the two sides meet at the Los Angeles Stadium in California.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup seems to be the tournament where the old guard of the footballing world will give way to shine a light on the next generation. The likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and company are likely to bid adieu to the grandest stage of them all.

Here are five youngsters in the match between Paraguay and the USA. They will be the ones to watch. The ones who can flip the script for their respective sides.

Also read: Top five youngsters to watch during Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina FIFA World Cup 2026 match

Youngsters to watch during USA vs Paraguay

S.No.	Player Name	Country	Age (in years)
1	Alex Freeman	USA	21
2	Diego Gomez	Paraguay	23
3	Folarin Balogun	USA	24
4	Mauricio	Paraguay	24
5	Serginio Dest	USA	25

5. Folarin Balogun (USMNT)

The 24-year-old is coming off an outstanding season with AS Monaco. He scored 19 goals in all competitions. Folarin Balogun will be leading the line for the USMNT with his nation’s hopes resting on his goalscoring ability.

Balogun started his career in Arsenal’s youth academy. He was also part of England’s youth teams before switching his nationality in 2023 to represent the United States. The striker is entering the peak years of his career.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 could be his ideal breakout tournament.

Also read: Who will captain USA at FIFA World Cup 2026?

4. Diego Gomez (Paraguay)

Brighton & Hove Albion’s 23-year-old will be tasked with winning the midfield battles for Paraguay in this World Cup. Diego Gomez has made 24 appearances for his national team since making his debut in 2022. He played a major part in his nation’s qualification for the World Cup.

Diego Gomez also has experience playing in the USA with Inter Miami. This will further help him to adjust to his surroundings in this tournament.

Also read: Paraguay name 26-man squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Miguel Almirón

3. Serginio Dest (USMNT)

Arguably one of the biggest names in the USA’s squad. Serginio Dest is at the prime of his career at the age of 25. The player has represented the likes of Ajax, AC Milan, and Barcelona.

He is currently plying his trade at PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands. Mauricio Pochettino will be banking on Dest’s footballing ability and versatility to play as the right back and as a right midfielder. This attributes will definitely help the USMNT coach to tweak his tactics when needed in the game.

2. Mauricio (Paraguay)

Paraguay have suffered a major setback ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as winger Julio Enciso was injured in the friendly against Nicaragua. However, Los Guaraníes do have an able replacement in the versatile Mauricio. He was brought on as a substitute and even provided an assist against Nicaragua.

The 24-year-old is quite energetic and can play anywhere in attack. With Enciso a doubt for the World Cup, Mauricio will have a lot more expectations on his shoulders ahead of the game against the United States.

1. Alex Freeman (USMNT)

The 21-year-old is expected to start as the right back for the USMNT against Paraguay. Alex Freeman was part of Orlando City’s youth and senior teams in the MLS before moving to Villarreal in January 2026.

Alex has represented the United States 17 times and also has two goals to his name. He will surely be one to watch not just against Paraguay, but in the whole of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Also read: USA predicted lineup for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Folarin Balogun & Christian Pulisic

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