Group D includes the co-hosts, United States, who will return after 2022; Paraguay, who will be attending the World Cup for the first time since 2010; Australia, a reliable Asian qualifier; and the winner of the UEFA Play-off Path C (one of Turkey, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo) who will provide a formidable European challenge to an already competitive group.
Team 1: United States (USA)
- Fixtures (IST approximate times not yet published)
@SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles vs Paraguay — June 13, 2026 (0630 IST).
@Lumen Field, Seattle vs Australia — June 20, 2026 (0030 IST).
@SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles vs Playoff-winner (Path C) — June 26, 2026 (0730 IST).
- Previous best finish: Quarterfinals (2002)
- How they qualified: Automatic qualification as main host nation.
- Key player: Christian Pulisic, the right winger from AC Milan is undoubtedly the most talented player in the current set-up.
- Coaching credentials: Mauricio Pochettino is a big name in European club football, who previously coached clubs such as Chelsea, PSG, Tottenham and Espanyol.
- Likely breakthrough star: Weston McKennie. The central midfielder is a regular starter for Juventus.
- Realistic expectation: Qualification for the knockout stage is within reach; could advance to the Round of 16 as well.
Team 2: Australia
- Fixtures (IST approximate times not yet published)
@BC Place, Vancouver vs Playoff-winner (Path C) — June 14, 2026 (0930 IST).
@Lumen Field, Seattle vs USA — June 20, 2026 (0030 IST).
@Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco vs Paraguay — June 26, 2026 (0730 IST).
- Previous best finish: Round of 16 (2006, 2022).
- How they qualified: AFC third round Group C runners-up, finishing behind Japan but ahead of Saudi Arabia.
- Key player: Jackson Irvine, captain of St. Pauli and the Levante custodian Mathew Ryan will lead the Socceroos with their experience.
- Coaching credentials: Tony Popovic, is a decorated coach in the A-League circuit, set to represent and lead his country in the World Cup.
- Likely breakthrough star: African-born attackers Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Toure are expected to steal the show for Australia.
- Realistic expectation: A clear chance of advancing to the last 32, with potential to go further depending on knockout-stage opponents.
Team 3: Paraguay
- Fixtures (IST approximate times not yet published)
@SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles vs USA — June 13, 2026 (0630 IST).
@Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco vs Playoff-winner (Path C) — June 20, 2026 (0930 IST).
@Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco vs Australia — June 26, 2026 (0730 IST).
- Previous best finish: Quarter-finals (2010)
- How they qualified: Came 6th in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers.
- Key player: Gustavo Gómez, the captain of Palmeiras as well as the Paraguayan national team is known for his clinical defending and leadership.
- Coaching credentials: Gustavo Alfaro, the most loved Argentine in Paraguay, needs to prove himself on the big stage.
- Likely breakthrough star: Diego Gómez, the central midfielder is playing a key role for Brighton in their impressive run in the EPL.
- Realistic expectation: Likely to fight for third place. Need to beat Australia to have any chance of progress.
Team 4: UEFA Playoff-Winner (Path C) — Turkey/Romania/Slovakia/Kosovo
- Fixtures
@BC Place, Vancouver vs Australia — June 14, 2026 (0930 IST).
@Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco vs Paraguay —June 20,2026 (0930 IST).
@SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles vs United States — June 26, 2026 (0730 IST).
Group prediction
- UEFA Play-off winner
- United States
- Paraguay
- Australia
