Pulisic insists USA can be a force ahead of Paraguay match

Anticipation is high in the United States as the nation hosts the tournament for the first time since 1994, together with Mexico and Canada, and star forward Pulisic declared that the squad around him is "able to compete with anyone."

"We want to be a genuine force in this competition," he told AFP.

"We have three very strong matches to demonstrate what we are capable of," he added.

The first of those is against South American opponents Paraguay.

Kicking off at 6.00pm local time in Los Angeles (03:00 CET Saturday), the first United States based match of this World Cup will be preceded by a Hollywood style opening ceremony.

Paraguay are the lowest ranked team in Group D, which also includes Australia and Turkey, but possess as much World Cup pedigree as any of their competitors.

"Paraguay have shown in qualification for this World Cup how difficult they are to face and how well they perform. They defeated Argentina and Brazil," coach Mauricio Pochettino told AFP.

Pochettino comes from neighbouring Argentina and played alongside many Paraguayan teammates during his time at Newell's Old Boys. He warned of their "mentality and competitiveness."

"From South America, Paraguay are like brothers to us... My expectation is that tomorrow will be very tough, because Paraguay are not only competitive but also aggressive. They have good quality."

Pulisic said Pochettino has helped make a talented United States team more streetwise ahead of the encounter.

"We know we have to be ready for a battle. It is not just about playing beautiful football," said Pulisic.

'Good test'

The United States are expected to line up with Monaco striker Folarin Balogun between Pulisic and PSV Eindhoven's Sergino Dest.

The likely midfield trio is Juventus star Weston McKennie, Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Malik Tillman and Bournemouth anchor Tyler Adams.

Pulisic had been experiencing a five month goal drought, but was in excellent form in a 3-2 friendly win over Senegal last month, scoring one goal and setting up another.

Paraguay's best players include former Newcastle United forward Miguel Almiron and diminutive young ball carrying midfielder Julio Enciso, who joined French club Strasbourg from Brighton and Hove Albion last summer.

Experienced defenders Omar Alderete and Gustavo Gomez are the squad's leaders, while Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro, who took Ecuador to the last World Cup, has preached a simple, direct style with plenty of aerial attacks.

"Paraguay is a great team and a really good test," Pulisic told AFP.

"We know from within what we are capable of, and now it is about showing it."

Pochettino, who has managed Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint Germain, reiterated that progressing from Group D alone would not count as success for him.

"For me, success is to win. To win tomorrow. And win after," he said.

"If we do not reach the final and we do not win the World Cup, to talk about 'success'? I do not know."