Group D
Group D is the USA's home group — co-host United States face Paraguay, Australia and the UEFA Playoff C winner. Get AI-powered win probability and match analysis for every Group D fixture.
Group D centres on co-host United States, who carry enormous pressure and expectation playing in their own country. The US national team reached the round of 16 in 2022 and have set their sights on a quarter-final or better on home soil. With a passionate fanbase and home advantage across multiple US venues, this is their best chance in a generation to make a landmark World Cup run.
Paraguay are a disciplined South American side with a strong qualifying record, while Australia — the 2022 Socceroos who memorably beat Argentina and reached the round of 16 — bring Asian football experience. The UEFA Playoff C winner (Slovakia, Kosovo, Turkey or Romania) adds a European element to an already balanced group.
The United States are investing massively in football ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with MLS growing rapidly and more American players moving to top European leagues. Christian Pulisic leads a team that's more talented than any previous US World Cup squad. Playing at home venues in front of record-breaking American crowds, the USA will be highly motivated to go deep into the tournament.
Australia's 2022 World Cup campaign was a triumph — they beat Denmark in the group stage and defeated Argentina's opposition (France) in a famous penalty shootout to reach the round of 16. Their combination of Premier League-experienced players and tactical organisation makes them dangerous opponents for anyone in Group D.
The USA are strong favourites to advance from Group D as co-hosts. Home advantage, a talented squad including players at top European clubs, and a favourable draw make qualifying from the group stage the minimum expectation. The question for the US is whether they can push deep into the knockout rounds.
Australia reached the round of 16 in 2022 and have similar or better quality for 2026. If they advance from Group D, Australia are capable of another knockout stage run. Their disciplined defending and counter-attacking style makes them unpredictable opponents in single-match knockout football.
As a co-host, the USA play group stage matches at major NFL stadiums repurposed for the World Cup, including MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, AT&T Stadium in Dallas, and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. These venues have capacities of 70,000 to 82,000, ensuring massive crowds for every US fixture.