The USMNT already know how tough their challenge will be at the 2026 World Cup, and the news didn’t bring much relief. The draw placed Mauricio Pochettino’s squad in Group D with Australia, Paraguay and the winner of UEFA’s playoff C, a mix of very different styles that puts pressure on the hosts from the first match. Their opener is against Paraguay in Los Angeles, and that game could set the tone for a team still trying to find steady footing under its new coach.
A heavy start against Paraguay
Paraguay return to the World Cup after 16 years and arrive with the confidence of a team that earned meaningful results in the qualifiers, including wins over Brazil and Argentina. The squad has nine World Cup appearances and once reached the quarterfinals, a reminder of the tradition they bring. Miguel Almirón, Julio Enciso, Diego Gómez and Gustavo Gómez form the core and give the team a balance that tends to work in long tournaments.
The USMNT know this opponent well, since the head to head between the teams is fairly even, and their most recent meeting ended in an American win in a friendly. Even so, an opener always carries extra weight, and the match at SoFi Stadium should test not only the team’s technical performance but also how they handle the emotional side of playing as hosts.
Australia as a direct obstacle
Australia arrive at the World Cup after another steady run through AFC qualifying. The country has seven World Cup appearances, two trips to the round of 16 and an experienced core led by Mathew Ryan in goal, Aiden O’Neill in midfield and young pieces like Nestory Irankunda. The team faced the United States recently in a friendly and lost, but neither side treats that result as decisive since the World Cup usually changes the pace, pressure and overall behavior of both teams.
The match in Seattle feels like a pivotal one, since both teams look like strong candidates for the top two spots in the group. The result could determine who goes into the final round feeling more comfortable.
The European wild card at the end of the group stage
The last match brings the United States back to Los Angeles to face the winner of UEFA’s playoff C. Turkey, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo could show up, each with very different traits. The uncertainty makes this matchup even more delicate for the standings, especially because the qualifying result won’t be known until March.
With Pulisic as the main technical reference and a deeper roster than in previous cycles, the United States have a realistic path to advance, but there’s no room to relax. Group D may not look intimidating by name alone, yet it demands focus from the first minute, and a World Cup at home doesn’t forgive mistakes.