Christian Pulisic: US "ready to battle" against Paraguay in World Cup opener

The co-hosts, who are staging the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada, begin their Group D journey under huge expectation, with Pulisic once again central to hopes of a strong run on home soil.

Forward Pulisic, who plays for AC Milan, said the squad believes it can compete with anyone on the international stage.

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

He added: "We know we have to be ready to battle. It's not just about playing beautiful football - we have to do the little things and compete."

The United States will face a Paraguay side led by coach Gustavo Alfaro, who guided Ecuador to the previous World Cup and has built a team known for its direct, physical approach.

Paraguay may be the lowest-ranked team in the group, which also includes Australia and Turkey, but they arrive with proven pedigree after reaching the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals and recording notable qualifying wins over Argentina and Brazil.

Key threats include former Newcastle United forward Miguel Almiron and young attacking midfielder Julio Enciso, while defenders Omar Alderete and Gustavo Gomez bring experience at the back.

US head coach Mauricio Pochettino, formerly of Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, has been working to make his side more disciplined and adaptable against South American opposition.

The expected US line-up includes Folarin Balogun of Monaco, Sergino Dest of PSV Eindhoven, and a midfield featuring Weston McKennie of Juventus, Malik Tillman of Bayer Leverkusen, and Tyler Adams of AFC Bournemouth.

Pulisic said recent form and squad depth have eased pressure on him personally, adding: "There's so many good players around me. I genuinely don't feel like I have to do everything on my own."

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