USA draws Paraguay, Australia and European team in World Cup 2026 Group D
The U.S. Men’s National Team has a clear path out of the group stage at the upcoming World Cup. Drawn in Group D with Paraguay, Australia, and the winner of a European playoff, the Americans are poised to make a strong showing on home soil.
The Americans will kick off their World Cup campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12. A recent friendly match between the two teams ended in a 2-1 victory for the U.S., giving them a boost of confidence heading into the tournament. Paraguay performed well in South American qualifying, conceding the second-fewest goals in CONMEBOL.
Australia, the U.S.’s second opponent in the group stage, tied its best-ever finish at the World Cup in 2022. Led by coach Tony Popovic, the Socceroos qualified with ease following a coaching change mid-campaign. The Americans also recently defeated Australia in a friendly match, showcasing their strength heading into the World Cup.
The third opponent for the U.S. will be determined after a European playoff between Turkiye, Romania, Slovakia, and Kosovo. The game is set to take place on June 19 in Los Angeles.
Under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT has been on a winning streak, with victories over Uruguay and Paraguay in the November international window. The team’s recent form is a stark contrast to a rocky summer that included losses in friendlies and the Gold Cup Final.
As the team prepares for the World Cup, friendlies against Belgium and Portugal in March will provide a glimpse of the squad at full strength. The U.S. will have one final chance to fine-tune its roster during a camp in Atlanta before heading to California for the group stage.
With a mix of experienced players and rising stars, the U.S. Men’s National Team is poised to make a strong showing at the World Cup. The upcoming friendlies and training camps will be crucial in solidifying the team’s strategy and preparing them for the challenges ahead.
