The United States Men's National Team will headline Group D at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, facing Paraguay, Australia and a European playoff winner. The draw took place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., revealing the Americans' opening match against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. As co-hosts, the U.S. avoided several top European and South American powerhouses in the group stage.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw unfolded on Friday afternoon at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., just 188 days before the tournament kicks off in Mexico City. The United States, as one of the co-hosts alongside Mexico and Canada, secured a spot in Group D, headlining the group with opponents Paraguay, Australia and the winner of UEFA Playoff C involving Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo.
The U.S. team's schedule begins with a home matchup against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, followed by crucial West Coast fixtures that could shape their path to the knockout rounds. Under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the Americans enter with high expectations, boasting a talented roster including Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie and Chris Richards. Currently ranked 14th by FIFA and first in CONCACAF, the U.S. has appeared in 11 World Cups but holds no titles, with their deepest run reaching the quarterfinals in 2002.
The draw positioned all three host nations as top seeds in Pot 1, ensuring they avoid heavyweights like Brazil, Argentina, France, England and Germany during the group stage. Mexico headlines Group A against South Africa, Korea Republic and a playoff winner, while Canada leads Group B facing a playoff winner, Qatar and Switzerland. Other notable groups include Brazil in Group C with Morocco, Scotland and Haiti, and Argentina in Group J with Austria, Algeria and Jordan.
Finishing first in Group D advances the U.S. to the top half of the knockout bracket against a third-place team from Groups B, E, F, I or J. A second-place finish drops them into the bottom half against the runner-up from Group G. Eight third-place teams also qualify, adding potential advancement paths. The tournament features 64 nations, with 42 already qualified and six more spots to be decided via playoffs early next year.