The United States, as co-hosts, have been drawn in Group D for the 2026 World Cup alongside Turkey, Australia and Paraguay. The group is considered one of the most open in the tournament, with just 18 ranking spots separating the three challengers.
Mauricio Pochettino's USA side are favourites to top the group, backed by a boisterous home crowd on the west coast. The US have faced all three opponents in friendlies over the past year, beating Australia and Paraguay but losing to Turkey. Key players include Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun.
Turkey, ranked 22nd, secured their place via the European play-offs in March. Australia, ranked 27th, reached the knockout stage in Qatar 2022. Paraguay, ranked 40th, impressed in South American qualifying with the joint-second best defensive record, beating Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay at home.
Group D fixtures include Turkey vs Paraguay on 20 June at Levi's Stadium, and Paraguay vs Australia on 26 June at the same venue. The USA's opening match is yet to be confirmed.
