It’s one thing to play in a World Cup match. It’s an entirely different deal to play a World Cup match as the team representing a host country.

On Friday at 9 p.m. ET, for the first time since 1994, the United States men’s national soccer team will host a World Cup match. Paraguay will be its opponent.

Paraguay vs. USMNT

Start/time/location : 9 p.m. ET, SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California

TV/streaming : FOX/FOX One/Tubi

Odds : USA -115/Tie +250/Paraguay +330

The USMNT were already favored in this opening match against Paraguay, even before the injury to Paraguay’s star attacker Julio Enciso. Enciso was stretchered off the field in the 25th minute of Paraguay’s 4-0 friendly victory over Nicaragua last Friday. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder suffered a “leg injury” and his status for Friday’s showdown with the USMNT is not yet known.…