2026 World Cup Group D preview, predictions

Of all the groups in the 2026 World Cup, Group D appears to be among the most balanced.

The United States was the seeded team as the host, putting a weaker top seed in the mix alongside Australia, Turkey and Paraguay.

Every game should be competitive, though the U.S. and Turkey appear to be the slight favorites to finish in the top two and secure the automatic berths in the round of 32.

But it wouldn’t be a huge shock if either Australia or Paraguay broke through and finished in the top two — or even won the group.

The hosts will be expected to make a run through the tournament, though there isn’t much precedent for the U.S. doing so. The team has won exactly one World Cup knockout match in its entire history, but the pressure is on to inspire a nation this summer. The USMNT has had mixed results under Mauricio Pochettino, who led the team to a strong run of results in the fall. But the U.S. has also struggled under the Argentine, losing both games of the Concacaf Nations League last year and falling short in spring friendlies against Belgium and Portugal.

Key players: Christian Pulisic, Chris Richards, Tyler Adams

Turkey is making just its third World Cup appearance, having previously competed in 1954 and 2002. But the Crescent Stars are an extremely dangerous side despite their 24-year drought from the big stage. Led by established stars at big European clubs, Turkey is well positioned to advance from the group.

Key players: Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız

Australia isn’t among the most talented sides at this tournament, but it is full of experience having reached the past five World Cups. The Socceroos advanced to the round of 16 in 2022, narrowly losing to eventual champion Argentina, so they have the ability to trouble any team they encounter.

Key players: Jackson Irvine, Nestory Irankunda, Jordan Bos

Paraguay is making its first appearance at a World Cup since 2010 and should be a difficult side for any opponent to break down. Gustavo Alfaro’s team conceded just 10 times in 18 South American qualifiers, tied for the second-best defensive record. On the flip side, Paraguay scored just 14 times in those games, the lowest total of any qualified South American team.

Key players: Diego Gomez, Julio Enciso, Miguel Almiron

USA vs. Paraguay – Los Angeles, 9 p.m. ET – Fox

Australia vs. Turkey – Vancouver, 12 a.m. ET (9 p.m. local) – FS1

• USA vs. Australia – Seattle, 3 p.m. ET – Fox

• Turkey vs. Paraguay – San Francisco Bay Area, 12 a.m. ET (9 p.m. local) – FS1

USA vs. Australia – Seattle, 3 p.m. ET – Fox

Turkey vs. Paraguay – San Francisco Bay Area, 12 a.m. ET (9 p.m. local) – FS1

• USA vs. Turkey – Los Angeles, 10 p.m. ET – Fox

• Paraguay vs. Australia – San Francisco Bay Area, 10 p.m. ET – FS1

USA vs. Turkey – Los Angeles, 10 p.m. ET – Fox

Paraguay vs. Australia – San Francisco Bay Area, 10 p.m. ET – FS1

MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey (hosting World Cup final)

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MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey (hosting World Cup final)

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Estadio Akron –Guadalajara, Mexico

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SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, California

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Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, Florida

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Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, California

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Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia

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Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Massachusetts

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 World Cup Group D: Preview, predictions, schedule