United States Soccer is back in action with a pair of international friendlies as preparations continue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The USMNT are unbeaten in their last three games, most recently defeating Australia 2-1 and settling for a 1-1 draw with Ecuador during the October international break.
Next up is 39th ranked Paraguay in Chester, Pennsylvania on Saturday evening. Paraguay travel to the US off the back of a 2-0 loss to South Korea and 2-2 draw with Japan in October.
La Albirroja have already booked their ticket to next summer’s World Cup after finishing sixth in the CONMEBOL qualifying campaign. They finished with seven wins, seven draws and four losses and +4 goal differential. Their 28 points were tied with the three teams ahead of them in the standings.
The Americans have faced Paraguay on eight previous occasions, winning four, tying twice and losing twice. They last crossed paths in a friendly in 2018, with the US winning 1-0 thanks to a penalty conversion by Bobby Wood.
Where to Watch USA vs Paraguay
When: Saturday, November 15 – 5PM ET / 2PM PT
Where: Subaru Park – Chester, Pennsylvania
Where to watch: TNT, Telemundo, HBO Max, Universo, Peacock
Almiron returned to Atlanta in a big-money move during the winter transfer window, after spending six and a half seasons in the Premier League with Newcastle United. He managed six goals and four assists in 33 appearances in all competitions this past season.
Defender Omar Alderete has also emerged as an important part of the national team, and is thriving in England with Sunderland after moving over from Spain this past summer.
One player to watch for Paraguay is 21-year-old forward Julio Enciso — a tricky winger who is making strides at Chelsea sister-club Strasbourg, in Ligue 1.
Paraguay predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Roberto Fernandez (GK) – Alan Benitez, Gustavo Gomez, Omar Alderete, Junior Alonso – Andres Cubas, Braian Ojeda – Hugo Cuenca, Diego Gomez, Miguel Almiron – Antonio Sanabria.
USA Team News and Predicted Lineup
Ron Chenoy | Imagn Images
The biggest news around the USMNT camp this week — apart from the absence of Christian Pulisic due to injury — is the return of Gio Reyna to the squad since March.
Mauricio Pochettino decided to give the 22-year-old a final chance to make an impression and earn consideration for the World Cup squad, despite struggling with Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga so far this season.
It’s also something of a homecoming for four players, as Matt Freese, Brenden Aaronson, Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty return to Philadelphia, having each spent time in the Union’s academy.
Haji Wright scored twice in last month’s win over Australia, and should start on the frontline alongside Folarin Balogun on Saturday.
USA predicted lineup (3-4-3): Matt Freese (GK) – Miles Robinson, Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty – Alex Freeman, Aidan Morris, Tanner Tessmann, Gio Reyna – Haji Wright, Folarin Balogun, Brenden Aaronson.
Rangers look set to complete a hijack after agreeing a deal to beat Southampton to a new signing, according to reports.
The Glasgow club are preparing to enter a new era after appointing former Hearts manager Derek McInnes as their new boss. He replaces Danny Rohl, who made the move to RB Salzburg.
It was a dismal end to the 25-26 season for Rangers, comfortably missing out on the Scottish Premiership title to rivals Celtic.
As a result, they will be looking to bring in reinforcements during the summer transfer window, likely aiming to strengthen in various areas of the pitch.
It could be a busy few weeks and months for Rangers as they look to back new manager McInnes in the transfer market.
According to both Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie and GIVEMESPORT correspondent Ben Jacobs, Rangers have agreed a deal to sign former Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil.
Jacobs confirms that Neil is expected to join Rangers as a free agent with an agreement in place and close to being formalised.
Downie confirms that Neil was in talks with Southampton and looked to have opted to join the Championship club, but things have changed significantly over the last 48 hours as Rangers swooped in.
Neil has been having a medical over the last 24 hours at Ibrox, and a deal is expected to be confirmed soon.
Rangers completed the signing of Ivor Pandur from Hull earlier this week in a deal worth £6m, so they are clearly making moves in the transfer market.
Arsenal are showing interest in signing another French star alongside Bradley Barcola of PSG, according to BBC reporter Sami Mokbel.
The Gunners haven’t rushed into any big signings so far in the summer transfer window, which is no surprise after they lifted the Premier League title last season.
The likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool are all working on multiple deals at a time, but Arsenal can afford to sit back and wait.
The Gunners won’t want to rest on what they built last year, especially considering they lost in the Champions League final against PSG.
There’s no doubt Mikel Arteta will be looking to improve his squad in the summer transfer window, but there’s no need for them to panic after their 25-26 campaign success.
Arsenal are potentially in the market for a second-choice goalkeeper with Kepa Arrizabalaga’s future uncertain.
The former Chelsea goalkeeper might be considering heading through the exit door in the coming months in order to go and play more regular first-team football.
Serena Williams made her long-awaited return to the courts of Wimbledon on Tuesday in a losing effort to Australian Maya Joint, but it is what happened afterwards that has seemed to cause some controversy.
Centre Court was at a fever pitch as the legendary Williams walked out in front of the crowd, ready to play in her first competitive singles match since her 2022 retirement. She was up against Maya Joint, a 20-year-old Australian who currently sits 87th in the WTA rankings, which would prove to be a stern test for the American legend.
In the first set, it was Joint who came out on top, winning 6-3. She outpaced the returnee, Williams, and took advantage of the early rustiness on show from the seven-time Wimbledon winner.
In set two, however, Williams rolled back the years, really dialling in her serving prowess to save a match point before sending the second set into a tense tiebreak. She came out on top this time, winning 8-6 to send Centre Court into a frenzy.
The final set started well for Williams as well, who initially went a break up for a 3-1 lead. However, physical fatigue set in for the 44-year-old, and Joint took advantage by winning five consecutive games and, after nearly two-and-a-half hours played, saw out the greatest win of her young career.
Serena Williams’ Post-Match Antics Cause Controversy
Andrew Couldridge via Reuters
It was what happened next which caught the attention of fans online, however, as many feel, Williams’ post-match handshake was tame, to say the least.
Todd Scoullar on X wrote: “…(Serena) gets a wildcard into the biggest tournament on the calendar…gives a rubbish handshake…didn’t need her at Wimbledon.”
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal both make Nole’s legendary list.
Many fans agreed with this sentiment, with users saying that “She shouldn’t have been there full stop. Just one big ego trip. I’m so pleased to see the back of her,” and “Serena’s oversized ego got the better of her. She thinks she’s still the star. Go home before you embarrass yourself any further.”
Williams also refused the traditional press conference, which brought extra scrutiny towards the 23-time Grand Slam champion, with one user on X saying: “Typical Serena. Thinks she’s bigger than the game…”
She instead released a statement through the tournament organisers and said that it was ‘truly incredible to be back at Wimbledon,’ before praising the ‘incredible’ atmosphere and making it clear that she ‘enjoyed every moment more than anything.’
This isn’t the end for Serena at this year’s event, however, as she will team with her sister Venus in their doubles comeback this week. They will go up against Colombian Camila Osorio and her Argentinian partner Solana Sierra in a match the legendary duo will be hoping to win en route to a potential seventh doubles title.