United States forward Christian Pulisic says the co-hosts are prepared for a physical, high-stakes start to the tournament against Paraguay. Ahead of the teams’ World Cup opener on Friday, Pulisic describes the group’s mindset as one of being “ready to battle” for soccer’s biggest stage. Multiple outlets report that expectations are elevated in the United States as the country plays host. One source also notes that the 2026 World Cup is being held in the US for the first time since 1994, alongside co-hosts Mexico and Canada, adding to the sense of occasion. The coverage frames Paraguay as a potentially tough opponent while emphasizing the US team’s readiness and competitive approach rather than providing detailed match predictions. Overall, the reports align on Pulisic’s comments and the basic context: the US, acting as a co-host, begins its World Cup campaign with a match against Paraguay and seeks to meet the moment.