The USMNT will play Australia and Paraguay in Group D, as well as third opponent from Europe that will be determined in March

The USMNT kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign against Paraguay in front of a home crowd in California. The Stars and Stripes will feel confident going against the CONMBEOL side given they just defeated Gustavo Alfaro’s men 2–1 in an international friendly during the November window.

The U.S. drew Australia, Paraguay and winner of Turkey, Romania, Slovakia and Kosovo during Friday's World Cup group draw.

Having automatically qualified as a host nation, the U.S. was helpfully put in Pot 1 of the draw, meaning that it will avoid most of the big-name soccer nations of Europe and South America that are quadrennial threats to hoist the trophy.

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros give their live reaction to the World Cup Draw. The boys break down the USMNT’s group, assess the tournament’s main contenders, and weigh in on who is primed for a deep run.

As a host nation, the Stars and Stripes were pre-drawn into Group D at the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The USMNT waited anxiously to find out its first three opponents in next summer’s tournament and no doubt exhaled a sigh of relief after the draw concluded.

World Cup draws have always been a dramatic part of soccer's tapestry. This one could go a lot of ways for the U.S. team, and for fans in Philadelphia waiting to see which teams will come to town.

U.S. Soccer has confirmed the U.S. men's national team's final four opponents ahead of next summer's World Cup