BETTING GUIDE: USA vs Paraguay, Qatar vs Switzerland World Cup predictions

BETTING GUIDE: USA vs Paraguay

Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway with co-hosts USA taking on Paraguay .

Playing on home soil, the Stars and Stripes carry the massive expectations of a nation eager to see football reach new heights, nearly a century after their historic first World Cup meeting against the same opponents back in 1930.

Paraguay, meanwhile, return to the grandest stage of world football for the first time since 2010, ending a painful 16-year World Cup hiatus.

Kick-off: 10:00 pm (Kenyan Time), Friday, 13 June 2026

Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

Group: Group D

Current standings: All teams yet to play (Matchday 1)

Qualification implications: The USA are expected to actively challenge for first place on home soil, while Paraguay desperately need a positive result to boost their progression hopes ahead of tricky subsequent fixtures against Australia and Turkey.

Form Guide

USA

❌ Loss vs Germany (1-2)

✅ Win vs Senegal (3-2)

❌ Loss vs Portugal (0-2)

❌ Loss vs Belgium (2-5)

✅ Win vs Uruguay (5-1)

Paraguay

✅ Win vs Nicaragua (4-0)

❌ Loss vs Morocco (1-2)

✅ Win vs Greece (1-0)

✅ Win vs Mexico (2-1)

❌ Loss vs USA (1-2)

Head-to-Head

In the last five meetings, the USA has won 4, Paraguay has won 0, and 1 has ended in a draw.

✅ USA 2-1 Paraguay (2025 Friendly)

✅ USA 1-0 Paraguay (2018 Friendly)

✅ USA 1-0 Paraguay (2016 Copa America)

➖ USA 0-0 Paraguay (2011 Friendly)

✅ USA 2-0 Paraguay (2010 Friendly)

Team News

USA

❌ Chris Richards – Defender (ankle injury, only just resumed training and a major doubt)

🟢 Christian Pulisic available and locked into his starting role as the creative centerpiece.

Paraguay

🟡 Julio Enciso – Forward (sustained a minor quadriceps strain against Nicaragua but is expected to shake it off and feature)

Player to Watch: Christian Pulisic (USA)

Pulisic remains the undisputed star man and focal point of the USA's attack heading into this home tournament.

The AC Milan winger has been in electric form for both club and country, coming alive during the pre-World Cup warm-up games where he registered a crucial goal and an assist in their victory over Senegal before logging significant minutes against Germany.

Sitting fifth among his nation's all-time leading goalscorers with 33 international goals, Pulisic carries the weight of creative and leadership responsibilities for Mauricio Pochettino's side.

Player to Watch: Miguel Almirón (Paraguay)

With fellow attacker Julio Enciso nursing a minor fitness cloud, the creative and leadership mantle for Paraguay falls squarely on the experienced shoulders of Almirón.

The industrious playmaker heads into the tournament opener with high confidence, having found the back of the net during La Albirroja's dominant 4-0 warm-up victory over Nicaragua.

🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): USA to Win or Draw (1X)

🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): Over 2.5 Goals

🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): USA to Win 2-1

MozzartSport Writers Predictions:

• Imran Otieno- Both Teams To Score

• Meshack Kisenge- USA Win

• Kevin Teya- USA Win

• Sammy Gitahi- USA Win

• Brian Odhiambo- Correct Score: USA 3 -1 Paraguay

• Victor Karuga- USA Win

• Josh Angatia- Both Teams To Score

Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling

BETTING GUIDE: Qatar vs Switzerland

Qatar take on Switzerland in Group B's opening fixture.

Qatar are entering only their second-ever World Cup finals following their debut as hosts in 2022, and they will be desperate to prove they can compete on the global stage away from home soil.

Switzerland, meanwhile, return to the World Cup as seasoned tournament regulars, making their 13th appearance in the competition.

Kick-off: Saturday, 13 June 2026 (10:00p.m., Kenyan Time)

Venue: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

Group: Group B

Current standings: All teams yet to play (Matchday 1)

Qualification implications: Switzerland are the favourite's to challenge for the top spot, while Qatar need a positive result to boost their hopes of progressing, especially since third-place teams can potentially secure knockout round qualification.

Form Guide

Qatar

❌ Loss vs UAE (1-2)

❌ Loss vs Republic of Ireland (0-1)

➖ Draw vs El Salvador (1-1)

❌ Loss Vs Palestine(0-1)

➖ Draw vs Syria(1-1)

Switzerland

➖ Draw vs Australia (1-1)

✅ Win vs Jordan (4-1)

➖ Draw vs Norway (0-0)

❌ Loss vs Germany (3-4)

➖ Draw vs Kosovo (1-1)

Head-to-Head

Team News

Qatar

Akram Afif, Yusuf Abdurisag, and Edmilson Junior are all fully fit and locked in as the first-choice front three.

Mahmud Abunada is expected to start cleanly between the sticks.

Switzerland

Zeki Amdouni is fully available and expected to win the battle over Breel Embolo to lead the line. 🟢 Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji are clear of any injury concerns and will anchor the spine of the team.

Player to Watch: Akram Afif (Qatar)

Akram Afif remains the driving force behind Qatar’s attack heading into their Group B opener, carrying both the creative and goalscoring burden with 39 international goals to his name.

Expected to operate on the flank in Julen Lopetegui’s front three .Afif’s vision, dribbling ability, and finishing make him Qatar’s most dangerous attacking threat.

Player to Watch: Zeki Amdouni (Switzerland)

Amdouni heads into the tournament with significant responsibility as Switzerland’s expected first-choice striker ahead of the more experienced Breel Embolo.

The Burnley forward’s intelligent movement, sharp positioning, and ability to find space in the penalty area make him a key component of Murat Yakin’s attacking setup.

🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): Switzerland to Win or Draw (X2)

🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): Both Teams to Score (BTTS - Yes)

🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): Switzerland to Win 2-1

MozzartSport Writers Predictions:

• Imran Otieno- Switzerland Win

• Meshack Kisenge- Switzerland Win

• Kevin Teya- Switzerland Win

• Sammy Gitahi- Switzerland Win

• Brian Odhiambo- Correct Score 2-2

• Victor Karuga- Switzerland win with over 1.5 goals

• Josh Angatia-Switzerland Win and both teams to score

Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling