Minutes from the Committee Meeting

June 12, 2026 — Committee Meeting # 44

Agenda Items 📋:

• Today’s the day. The USMNT faces off against Paraguay at 9 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. With potentially a record setting audience for the USMNT, this may be the biggest match in the program’s history.
• The USMNT defeated Paraguay 2-1 in November in a match the U.S. largely controlled. Gio Reyna was the star on the day in a start that likely secured his World Cup spot.
• Both sides face injuries to crucial players. For Paraguay, it’s talisman Julio Enciso, who will be out for at least their first two matches.
• For the U.S., Chris Richards’s injury is the biggest variable in front of them. The star defender arguably has the biggest quality gap between himself and his replacement, but may be ready to return for this match from injury.
• The U.S. will likely feel somewhat enthused by their squad following their 2-1 defeat against Germany in Chicago last Saturday, mostly playing a very even match despite a set piece goal conceded in the first three minutes.
• Perhaps more exciting for the U.S.? The quality of support from the stands previewed a home World Cup where the U.S. held the support of a packed NFL stadium, a rarity for a team that often faces hostile crowds at larger stadiums. 
• Those hostile crowds normally support Mexico, the U.S.’s other national team. They kicked off their own local World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa.
• If anything, El Tri fans were disappointed they didn’t score more in a match that they dominated and in which they  momentarily held a two man advantage.
• For MLS fans, perhaps the most interesting site was former Chicago Fire homegrown and USMNT player Brian Gutierrez occupying the playmaker position, and earning South Africa’s first red card. 
• Up next, Mexico will face off against South Korea on June 18th.

Story of the Week:

The U.S. squares off with Paraguay today in the oh-so-crucial first match of a World Cup. Paraguay, especially without star attacker Julio Enciso, won’t necessarily scare the USMNT on paper. However, they’re a defensively resolute squad who will make it difficult for a USMNT squad with heaps of pressure. Here are our three things to watch:

• Paraguay’s MLS Lineage: Especially with Julio Enciso out, Paraguay’s success will largely depend on an engine room with a lot of experience with American players. Current MLS players Andres Cubas (Vancouver) and Miguel Almiron (Atlanta) should pair up with former MLS players Kaku (New York Red Bulls) and Diego Gomez (Inter Miami). Cubas promises to be especially active as Paraguay’s star #6, winning duels and quickly getting Paraguay in transition. Meanwhile, MLS watchers will know Almiron has lost a step or two with Atlanta, but perhaps can offer something different for his national team than he has for his club in 2026.
• Centerback: There’s a solid chance this will be the storyline of the World Cup for the USMNT, as the most talented attack in program history seems to be clicking, but defensive deficiencies remain apparent.The biggest question is still whether Chris Richards, one of the most talented defenders in U.S. history, will be healthy and able to feature. If not, Miles Robinson, who started the Germany match but hasn’t consistently played for the USMNT, is able to rise to the occasion.
• Home Advantage: If you watched the Mexico match, you can’t help but imagine, “what if that’s us?” Obviously the altitude at the iconic Azteca won’t be replicated this summer, but what if the energy is?If you’ve followed the USMNT closely, you know the times the team has been able to harness major homefield advantages has been few and far between. Columbus and Cincinnati vs. Mexico, and some matches in Seattle.We saw something different in Chicago, though. A vast majority of 63K willing the USMNT past an early setback, and exploding with a Jedi Robinson banger. We can’t quantify the difference that will make, but if there’s real USMNT support in LA, it could be the difference.  

Kickback's Daily Show and USMNT Previews and Reviews:

• 9:30 a.m., Every Day: Tune in to our daily show LIVE on @soccerwisehq or @firsttouch_ksm on YouTube (click for links). Listen on Soccerwise or Kickback ‘26 feeds afterwards if you’re on the go!
• Immediately after USMNT vs. Paraguay: Join us LIVE immediately after the USMNT patch on either of the links above for an instant reaction to the USMNT’s first home World Cup match in 32 years!