Gary Rose
BBC Sport in Los Angeles

All eyes are on Mexico today for the World Cup opener but tomorrow will see fellow hosts USA kick off their tournament on home soil when they take on Paraguay in Los Angeles.

It has been interesting to have a wander around the city over the last couple of days to get a feel for the excitement for the World Cup, and that perhaps can best be described as a slow burner.

There are World Cup banners hanging from posts along the roads out of Los Angeles Airport and throughout downtown, while there are electronic screens dotted around with the USA players on them, but generally it has felt like to find signs of the impending World Cup, you have to go looking for it.

That said, from speaking to local organisers and fans the expectations are that enthusiasm for the World Cup will grow as more games are played and, in particular, if the USA do well. Many are expecting them to reach the knockouts at the very least.

It's hard to believe as we've been at it for a while, but we are now officially halfway through our previews for the group stage of the tournament.

That's right, there are TWELVE sets of four teams - through A to L - all fighting for a place in the knockout stage.

So let's just pause for a moment and hear from Gary, our man on the ground in Los Angeles, to see how the atmosphere is building Stateside.

Skipper Virgil van Dijk will need to put a difficult season behind him if the Netherlands are to go deep in this tournament. he same goes for Dutch record scorer Memphis Depay and Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who have both had injury-hit campaigns.

In the absence of the injured Kauro Mitoma, Real Sociedad playmaker Takefusa Kubo could play a key role for Japan.

Premier League stars Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak will look to fire Sweden to the knockouts, while for Tunisia, Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri and experienced Eintracht Frankfurt man Ellyes Skhiri are worth keeping tabs on.

Image source, Getty Images

The Netherlands are the only nation to reach three World Cup finals without winning, but aren't expected to reach the showpiece this year.

The perennial bridesmaids have plenty of Premier League quality, but have an ageing squad that is reliant on journeyman forward Memphis Depay for goals.

Japan shocked the world in Qatar four years ago by beating Spain and Germany to top a difficult group, but their lack of experience showed as they were eliminated in the last 16. Over the past year they have beaten England, Brazil and Ghana.

Sweden failed to win a single qualifying match, but earned a play-off place through the Nations League and looked improved after appointing manager Graham Potter.

Tunisia are the weakest side on paper, but will hope their solid defensive structure can get them to the knockout stage for the first time.

Image source, Getty Images

Netherlands

World ranking - 7

World Cup appearances - 12

World Cup best performance - runners-up (1974, 1978, 2010)

Japan

World ranking - 18

World Cup appearances - 8

World Cup best performance - round of 16

Sweden

World ranking - 38

World Cup appearances - 13

World Cup best performance - runners-up (1958)

Tunisia

World ranking - 44

World Cup appearances - 7

World Cup best performance - group stage

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Though not fully fit after returning from a broken leg and dislocated ankle, Germany's Jamal Musiala is among the most exciting young players on the planet.

Kai Havertz could be key up top for the group favourites, as will recently un-retired goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Juninho Bacuna is the main creative force for Curacao, while his brother and captain Leandro Bacuna has nearly 100 Premier League appearances under his belt.

Bundesliga rookie of the year Yan Diomande will look to fire Ivory Coast into the knockouts, as will Manchester United's Amad Diallo.

Two-time Champions League winning defender Willian Pacho will organise the Ecuador defence, while Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo offers quality in midfield.

Germany are the clear favourites to top Group E. As four-time winners, they are among the most succesful teams in World Cup history.

However, Germany's last victory in a World Cup knockout match was the 2014 final - since then they have suffered group stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

The rest of the group looks open. Ivory Coast arrive having beaten France in their final warm-up match, and have the youngest squad in the tournament.

Ecuador unexpectedly finished second in South American qualifying after conceding just five goals in 18 games, so will be tough to break down.

Curacao, the smallest nation in World Cup history, are an unknown. 25 of the 26 players representing the debutants were born outside of the tiny Caribbean island, and play for professional clubs around the world. As such, they should not be underestimated.

Image source, Getty Images

Germany

World ranking - 10

World Cup appearances - 21

World Cup best performance - champions (1954, 1974 and 1990 as West Germany, 2014 as Germany)

Curacao

World ranking - 82

World Cup appearances - debut

World Cup best performance - n/a

Ivory Coast

World ranking - 34

World Cup appearances - 4

World Cup best performance - group stage

Ecuador

World ranking - 23

World Cup appearances - 5

World Cup best performance - round of 16

Image source, Getty Images

We're about to meet the first of the debutants at this World Cup.

And if there's one thing I love about the World Cup, it's the pride of a bunch of players representing their corner of the world on the biggest football stage for the very first time.

Here are Curacao, celebrating their qualification to the finals in Jamaica in November.

Image source, Getty Images

Now, let's find out what fun awaits them in Group E...

So, that's Duncan and Denley both tipping Paraguay to be a surprise package.

Who do you think will outperform expectations at this tournament?

Let us know by clicking 'Get Involved'.

We want to hear your most baseless and unhinged takes - before Phil McNulty takes over at lunchtime and brings a bit of sense to proceedings.

Image source, Getty Images

Christian Pulisic is the poster boy of American soccer, and will be looking to overcome a poor 2025-26 season. After finishing the season with 11 goals in 14 games for Monaco, Folarin Balogun could be the reliable striker the US have long lacked.

Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez could shine for Paraguay with former club team-mate Julio Enciso an injury doubt for the group opener.

Jordan Bos, Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Toure bring pace to a young Australia side, while Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler and Juventus man Kenan Yildiz are the difference makers for Turkey.

Image source, Getty Images

Group D is one of the more difficult groups to call.

As tournament co-hosts and the highest ranked side in the group, the United States will be targeting top spot.

But results have been inconsistent under Mauricio Pochettino, which could open the door to a high-pressing but tactically flexible Turkey side boasting talents like Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz.

Australia come into this tournament with a young squad full of exciting but untested attacking gems, while Paraguay are the weakest side having nicked the final South American qualifying spot.

United States

World ranking - 16

World Cup appearances - 12

World Cup best performance - third (1930)

Paraguay

World ranking - 40

World Cup appearances - 9

World Cup best performance - quarter-finals

Australia

World ranking - 27

World Cup appearances - 7

World Cup best performance - round of 16

Turkey

World ranking - 22

World Cup appearances - 3

World Cup best performance - third (2002)

Image source, Getty Images

If you're right, Steven, and Feyenoord's Bos does have Premier League credentials - then there's no better shop window than the World Cup for him to get his agent's phone ringing off the hook.

Let's see who he's set to face...