LOS ANGELES, June 11 (Xinhua) -- United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino said Friday's World Cup opener against Paraguay will be a very tough game, while confirming all 26 players are available for selection for the Group D clash at Los Angeles Stadium.
"My expectation is tomorrow is going to be a very tough game," Pochettino told a pre-match press conference on Thursday. "It's going to be tough because Paraguay not only is competitive and aggressive, they have good quality [and] a great coach in Gustavo Alfaro, who is doing a great job and I respect and admire him a lot."
The Argentine, 54, who was appointed head coach of the U.S. men's national team in August 2024, said defender Chris Richards has recovered from an ankle injury and could be included in the matchday squad.
"I think we celebrate that we are ready to start the competition with 26 players available to be selected," Pochettino said. "Chris is available to be selected and then we will decide if he starts from the beginning of the game or on the bench."
The Argentine added that he has already decided his starting lineup, but declined to say whether Matt Turner or Matt Freese would start in goal.
Pochettino said his side would have to play with passion to connect with home supporters and build momentum.
"I think it's contagious and we need to play with passion," he said. "We need to win games, so important, but play with passion and make the fans feel proud about what they are seeing on the field."
The United States is competing in its 12th FIFA World Cup and will act as co-host of the expanded 48-team tournament alongside Canada and Mexico. Having previously hosted the global showpiece in 1994 and reached the semifinal in the inaugural 1930 edition, the U.S. was eliminated in the round of 16 by the Netherlands at the last World Cup in Qatar.
The squad is headlined by AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie. Gio Reyna, the playmaker who recently moved to Borussia Monchengladbach, also features.
Following Friday's opener against Paraguay, the U.S. will face Australia in Seattle on June 19 before returning to Los Angeles to meet Turkiye on June 25. ■
