USA (w) vs Paraguay (w) on January 25
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter between two contrasting teams in the world of women’s football. The USA (w) are gearing up to face Paraguay (w) in a friendly match that promises both tactical intrigue and a showcase of individual brilliance. With the USA preparing for a World Cup defense and Paraguay looking to prove their strength on the international stage, this match will reveal critical insights into both teams' readiness. The game will take place on January 25, 2026, and could prove to be an important preparation exercise ahead of the upcoming competitive fixtures for both sides.
USA (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) has long been a dominant force in women’s football, and their tactical approach remains one of the most sophisticated in the world. Over their last five games, they’ve showcased their fluid attacking play and high pressing game, key elements of their success under head coach Vlatko Andonovski. In these recent matches, they’ve averaged 65% possession, with a staggering 85% pass accuracy in the opposition half. Their high press forces errors, often leading to turnovers in dangerous areas, and this has led to an average of 3.4 goals per game in their last five outings.
The USA’s usual 4-3-3 formation is built around the prowess of their midfield, with players like Lindsey Horan acting as the engine of the team. Horan's ability to link defense and attack, alongside her excellent passing range (74% completion rate in the final third), makes her crucial. Also, the USA's wide play will be a key element, with their wingers providing the width and depth, stretching the opposition defense and allowing for quick crosses into the box.
Key players to watch include Alex Morgan, who has been in fine form, scoring in four of her last five games. However, the team may feel the absence of star defender Becky Sauerbrunn, whose leadership at the back is integral to the team’s stability. Her injury could affect the defensive organization, making the central defense pairing all the more crucial.
Paraguay (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Paraguay, while not as established as the USA on the global stage, have made significant strides in women’s football in recent years. Under coach Epifania Benítez, they have favored a solid 4-4-2 formation, built around a compact defense and quick counter-attacks. In their last five games, they’ve averaged just 45% possession, which highlights their preference to play on the break, looking for the pace of their forwards to exploit spaces left by higher pressing opposition. They’ve been quite effective on the counter, registering an average of 2.1 goals per game, while their defensive shape has allowed just 1.3 goals per game.
One area Paraguay will look to exploit against the USA is set pieces. With powerful headers like Fanny Gauto, who has been a menace in the air, they will look to capitalize on any lapses in the USA’s aerial defense. Their full-backs, like Jessica Martínez, are often tasked with joining the attack, providing width and overlapping runs to stretch the opposition’s backline.
However, Paraguay’s attacking play often lacks the fluidity and creativity seen in teams like the USA. They rely heavily on quick transitions, and their success in this match will hinge on their ability to disrupt the USWNT's build-up play. Their top scorer, Lourdes Romero, will need to be at her clinical best to finish off the chances that come their way.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
Looking at the head-to-head record between these two teams, the USA have been dominant in past encounters, with three wins in the last five meetings, including a 3-0 victory in their most recent match-up. Paraguay has managed only one draw in this period, and their performances have often been characterized by solid defensive setups that were ultimately undone by the USA’s sheer attacking power. However, there are psychological factors at play here. The USA will not want to be seen as anything less than overwhelming favorites, while Paraguay will relish the opportunity to test themselves against one of the top teams in the world. The underdog status could inspire Paraguay to put up a stubborn resistance, especially if they can frustrate the USWNT in the early stages.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The outcome of this match will likely be decided in a few key areas of the pitch. First, the battle between the USA’s wide players and Paraguay’s full-backs will be pivotal. The USA’s wingers, particularly Sophia Smith, are excellent at cutting inside and creating chances, but Paraguay’s full-backs, such as Martínez, are physically robust and will need to step up defensively to cope with the threat from wide areas. How they manage the wide zones will likely determine the USA’s ability to unlock Paraguay’s defense.
Another critical battle will be in the midfield. The matchup between Lindsey Horan and Paraguay’s central midfielders will be crucial. Horan is a dynamic player who can dictate the tempo of the game, so Paraguay’s midfielders must be disciplined and combative to disrupt her influence. The success of Paraguay’s counter-attacks will depend on winning second balls and quickly transitioning from defense to attack, which means the battle in the midfield will be key to either side’s success.
Match Scenario and Prediction
In terms of match scenario, expect the USA to dominate possession and control large stretches of the game, with their high pressing game forcing Paraguay into quick decisions. Paraguay will look to frustrate the USWNT early, dropping deep and relying on set pieces and counters to create opportunities. The question will be whether they can keep the USA at bay long enough to capitalize on any set-piece opportunities or defensive lapses.
The USA’s firepower, however, should prove too much for Paraguay in the end. Despite their defensive resilience, Paraguay’s lack of fluid attacking play against top-tier sides like the USA suggests they’ll struggle to break down their opponents. With key players like Alex Morgan and Lindsey Horan in form, the USA are likely to come out on top. Prediction: USA 3-1 Paraguay.
Final Thoughts
This match is a test of whether Paraguay can remain competitive against one of the world’s top teams while fine-tuning their tactical approach ahead of major international tournaments. For the USA, it’s an opportunity to build cohesion and maintain momentum as they prepare for more challenging fixtures. The main question this match will answer is: Can Paraguay pose a real threat to the USA, or will the world champions prove to be simply too much? The result will be a key barometer of both teams’ current form and what lies ahead for them in their respective campaigns.
