USMNT Faces Paraguay, Australia, and Potential Opponent in 2026 World Cup Group D
The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) has been placed in Group D for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, joining Paraguay, Australia, and an opponent yet to be determined from UEFA Playoff C. The draw took place on December 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
Group D Overview
This marks the 12th World Cup appearance for the USMNT and its second time hosting the tournament. The team will kick off its campaign against Paraguay on June 12, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. Following this, the U.S. will face Australia on June 19 in Seattle, Washington, and conclude group play on June 25 back in Los Angeles against the UEFA Playoff C winner.
Match Schedule
- Match 1: USA vs. Paraguay – June 12, 2026, Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, Calif.
- Match 2: Australia vs. USA – June 19, 2026, Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Wash.
- Match 3: USA vs. Winner of UEFA Playoff C – June 25, 2026, Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, Calif.
The full tournament schedule will be confirmed by FIFA, including specific kickoff times. All matches will be broadcast live on FOX Sports and Telemundo.
USMNT’s Road to 2026
The USMNT currently holds an unbeaten streak of five matches, including four victories against teams qualified for the 2026 World Cup. Under the guidance of head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the team has utilized a larger player pool, with 56 players earning caps in 2025. This approach is aimed at developing a versatile roster capable of competing effectively in the tournament.
Group D Opponents
Here is a breakdown of the closely matched teams in Group D and their records against the USA:
| Opponent | USMNT Record |
|---|---|
| Paraguay | 5-2-2 |
| Australia | 2-1-1 |
| Kosovo | 0-0-0 |
| Romania | 1-2-1 |
| Slovakia | 0-1-0 |
| Türkiye | 2-2-1 |
Potential Path in the Knockout Stage
The USMNT’s advancement from Group D will depend on their performance in the initial matches:
- Finishing first in Group D leads to a matchup against a third-place team from Groups B, F, I, or J.
- Finishing second means the USMNT would face the second-place team from Group G.
- If third, they must hope to be one of the top eight third-place teams to proceed.
Conclusion
As the USMNT prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, fans are optimistic about their potential, especially given their current form and the depth of the roster. The competition in Group D will present significant challenges, but it also offers a chance to showcase the team’s growth on the world stage.
