'We want to be a force': Pulisic backing USA to excel ahead of Paraguay clash

United States star Christian Pulisic has declared the World Cup co-hosts are ready to make their mark on the tournament ahead of Friday's opener against Paraguay in Los Angeles.

"We want to be a real force in this tournament," Pulisic told AFP. "We've got three really good games to show everyone what we're all about."

Coach Mauricio Pochettino warned that Paraguay, despite being the lowest-ranked team in Group D, should not be underestimated. "Paraguay has shown how tough it is to play against — they beat Argentina, Brazil," he said. "My expectation is that tomorrow is going to be very tough. They have good quality."

The US are expected to line up with Folarin Balogun leading the attack, flanked by Pulisic and Sergino Dest, with Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman and Tyler Adams in midfield. Paraguay will look to Miguel Almiron and Julio Enciso to provide the creative spark, with experienced defenders Omar Alderete and Gustavo Gomez marshalling the backline.

Pochettino was characteristically ambitious when asked about his targets. "For me, successful is to win. Is to win tomorrow. And win after. If we don't arrive to the final and we don't win the World Cup, to talk about 'successful'? I don't know," the Argentine said.