2026 World Cup draw: USMNT benefits from favorable group with Australia and Paraguay

WASHINGTON As co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, the U.S. men's national soccer team automatically secured their place in the tournament, avoiding the qualifying process. With match venues and dates already known, the last piece of the puzzle was the group opponents revealed during Fridays draw at the Kennedy Center.

The results were favorable for head coach Mauricio Pochettinos squad. The U.S., top seed in Group D and ranked 14th globally, will face No. 26 Australia, No. 39 Paraguay, and the winner of a playoff between Trkiye, Romania, Slovakia, and Kosovo. Trkiye, ranked 25th, is considered the favorite to advance.

Familiarity with recent opponents may benefit the Americans. Earlier this year, they defeated Australia 2-1 and Paraguay 2-1 in friendlies, though they lost 2-1 to Trkiye. It means less work because we have already done the homework. But its still six months until the World Cup, Pochettino said. We need to update everything. We know them, but they know us.

The U.S. will open the group stage against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, face Australia on June 19 at Lumen Field in Seattle, and conclude the group stage on June 25 back at SoFi Stadium against the playoff winner. At least two teams from each group will advance to the round of 32 in the expanded 48-team tournament, featuring 104 matches across 16 cities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

Star forward Christian Pulisic emphasized the advantage of recent experience against these teams: We know, more or less, what they're going to look like. We know they're tough opponents as well. We're not taking anyone lightly.

The U.S. avoided higher-ranked and historically challenging opponents. By drawing Australia from Pot 2, the Americans sidestepped Morocco, Croatia, and Colombia, while the European playoff winner does not include Italy. Key contenders from Pot 3, like Norway, were placed elsewhere.

Despite being viewed as a manageable group, Pochettino urged respect for all opponents. All the opponents are important and we need to respect all the opponents, he said.

Opening against Paraguay provides a morale boost, having recently edged them 2-1. The team also defeated Australia 2-1 in October, though Trkiye proved tougher in a June friendly.

Midfielder Tyler Adams highlighted the importance of preparation: There's no easy game in a World Cup. Some of our hardest games in the previous World Cup were against lesser-ranked teams. We need to continue to prepare the right way, but it's encouraging to have prior experience with some of these opponents.

Looking ahead, the U.S. will play friendlies in March against Belgium and Portugal before selecting their 26-man World Cup roster in late May. Additional warm-up matches include games against Germany in Chicago on June 6 and another opponent in Charlotte on May 31.

The draw ceremony featured prominent figures and performances, including Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, co-hosts Kevin Hart and Heidi Klum, and appearances by former athletes. FIFA President Gianni Infantino led the formalities alongside U.S., Mexican, and Canadian leaders, emphasizing the historic significance of the tournament.

The Americans path to the knockout stage is now clear. Winning the group would place them against a third-place team on July 1 in Santa Clara, California. Finishing second sets up a July 3 match in Arlington, Texas, potentially against Iran or Egypt. The U.S. aims to surpass their 2002 quarterfinal achievement, fueled by experience from the 2022 World Cup and home advantage in 2026.

Adams summarized the teams mindset: The last World Cup, we didnt know what to expect. Now we're more mature and prepared. Our goal is to set a new benchmark and make a serious run.

Author: Noah Whitman