Predicted Lineups: Saturday 13 June

Three matches. Six teams. Here are the starting XIs we expect to see on Saturday 13 June, built from confirmed tournament squads and the most recent competitive lineups.

USA v Paraguay

The key question for Gregg Berhalter is simple: does the XI that faced Paraguay in warm-up preparation carry over wholesale into the tournament opener, or does he tweak the width in a 4-2-3-1 that has looked uncertain in transition?

USA (4-2-3-1)

We anchor directly on the last confirmed XI here. No injuries have been reported, and the shape has been consistent. Pulisic operating as a narrow left-sided attacker rather than a pure winger gives Adams and Tillman cover to press aggressively, which suits the home crowd at SoFi Stadium.

Paraguay (4-4-2)

Daniel Garnero has shown no reason to break this structure. The 4-4-2 with Almirón drifting inside from the left has been Paraguay's most reliable platform through qualifying, and Enciso's energy alongside Sanabria gives them a direct threat on the counter. The biggest doubt is whether Enciso, who has carried a knock in recent club football, starts or is managed from the bench, with Arce as the ready replacement.

Qatar v Switzerland

Qatar's two-game warm-up run produced a loss and a draw, and the hosts of the 2022 edition need a positive result here to stay alive in a group that will test their defensive discipline against a Switzerland side that presses with purpose.

Qatar (4-3-3)

We hold the last XI against El Salvador almost in full. The one positional note: Homam Ahmed steps in at left back in place of H. Al Amin, who featured in that fixture but does not appear in the confirmed squad list. Ahmed is the natural fit from the available defenders. Afif remains Qatar's most dangerous creative outlet and Edmilson Junior the focal point in attack.

Switzerland (4-4-2)

Murat Yakin's Switzerland have drawn, lost, drawn, won, and drawn across their last five outings. That inconsistency does not change the team selection: this is a settled XI and the 4-4-2 has been Yakin's default. Xhaka dictates tempo, Ndoye provides the directness on the right, and the Manzambi-Amdouni partnership up top gives them two physical options against Qatar's centre-backs. The biggest x-factor is whether Breel Embolo forces his way into the XI after any late fitness news, which would likely see Manzambi drop to the bench.

Brazil v Morocco

Brazil arrive at MetLife Stadium on a three-match winning run and with their 4-4-2 looking increasingly cohesive, while Morocco bring a four-match unbeaten record and the same defensive structure that has conceded almost nothing in 2026.

Brazil (4-4-2)

We replicate the XI that started against Egypt, which is the clearest signal of Dorival Júnior's tournament intentions. Raphinha and Paquetá provide width and creativity from deep positions, while the Thiago-Vinícius axis gives Brazil pace and finishing quality in the box. Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães form one of the most physically imposing midfield pairings at the 2026 tournament. The pressure on this side is to convert their attacking quality against a Morocco defensive block that conceded once in their last four.

Morocco (4-2-3-1)

Walid Regragui sticks with the shape and the personnel that impressed against Norway. Bouaddi and El Aynaoui screen the back four with discipline, Brahim Díaz provides the link between midfield and attack, and Hakimi's runs from right back remain Morocco's most consistent source of attacking momentum. The key doubt is whether Saibari starts as the central striker or Regragui shifts to a more withdrawn role and brings in El Kaabi for directness against Brazil's high defensive line.

These are confident predictions, not confirmed team sheets. Official line-ups are released 60 minutes before each kickoff. Check back for any late changes.

This article was researched and drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team.