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ESPN Writer- Liz Loza is a writer for fantasy football, women's basketball and betting at ESPN. Liz also appears on "Fantasy Football Now" and contributes to the Fantasy Focus Football podcast.
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Special to ESPN.com- Victoria Matiash is a contributing writer for fantasy hockey and betting at ESPN. Victoria has been a part of the fantasy team since 2010.
The 2026 World Cup gets underway for the United States on Friday with its first group stage game against Paraguay.
With so many potential bets that can be made, it might be a bit overwhelming to know where to begin. Fear not! Victoria Matiash and Liz Loza have looked over the options and selected some of their favorite bets from among those you can make for this game.
*Odds as of time of publication. For the most updated odds, visit DraftKings Sportsbook
More coverage:
One bet to make on all 48 teams | Why the USMNT will win the 2026 World Cup
How to bet on soccer | How the USMNT can counter Paraguay's threat
SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California, 9 p.m. ET on Fox
Moneyline: USA +110 | Draw +225 | Paraguay +285
Spread: USA (-0.5) Even | Paraguay (+0.5) -140
Total: 2.5 (+145 O, -180 U)
Best bets for this game
USA total team goals OVER 1.5 (+135)
From the victory in Charlotte to Antonee Robinson's worldie in Chicago, the United States learned some good lessons and received a giant morale boost from the team's pair of warmup friendlies. The squad will open the World Cup as -110 favorites over Paraguay. While La Albirroja boast a stout and well-organized back line, the U.S. team's attacking talent is fluid, deep and top-tier. The U.S. has scored at least two goals in 10 out of 26 matches since Mauricio Pochettino took over as head coach, including a 2-1 victory over Paraguay last November. Expect the vibes to be high and goals to hit the over on Friday. -- Loza
USA fouls committed 13+ (+125)
Things got heated the last time the U.S. faced off against Paraguay on home soil. The stat sheets show a 2-1 victory for the Americans (via a goal scored by Folarin Balogun in the 71st minute), but what was most memorable was the bench-clearing brawl that ensued in the game's final moments. It was an undeniably physical affair with the Americans recording 13 fouls, which is significantly higher than the team's average of 9.25 fouls per match. Given Paraguay's gritty approach and taking into account the anticipation surrounding the group's opening match, the United States should come out with marked aggression and increased savvy. -- Loza
Draw (+225)
Paraguay aren't inclined to either concede much or light it up. Under manager Gustavo Alfaro, La Albirroja are disciplined, structured, organized and terribly difficult to penetrate. Unless Christian Pulisic & Co. manage to take advantage early, this could unfold into a rather conservative affair, yielding a low score. There's a very good reason that under 2.5 goals is set at -180. Considered the inferior side of the two, Paraguay will be more content with a 0-0 or 1-1 result than the hosting Americans, who might feel a little tight (at least to start) in their debut match in front of a highly invested crowd. -- Matiash
