There’s a lot of optimism about the US men’s national team (USMNT) heading into the 2026 World Cup, which will be staged in North America for the first time since 1994.
Is there a solid basis for that optimism? Under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the Americans lost both Concacaf Nations League games last year to Panama and Canada. They also fell short in friendlies against Germany, Portugal, and Belgium. The lone win came with a 3-2 decision over Senegal.
Also read: World Cup Betting Preview & Tips
Here is the complete World Cup schedule for USMNT in Group D play:
- Friday, June 12, 9 p.m. ET: US vs. Paraguay; SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California
- Friday, June 19, 3 p.m. ET: US vs. Australia; Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington
- Thursday, June 25, 10 p.m. ET: Turkey vs. US; SoFi Stadium Inglewood, California
All of the games will be televised by FOX and streamed on Fubo.
Group D Futures Odds (at DraftKings Sportsbook)
- USA +140
- Turkey +175
- Paraguay +400
- Australia +800
What to Expect From the Americans
John Harkes, who competed for the US in both the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, was also the first American player to play in the Premier League.
Harkes said the US has a “great chance” to succeed in the expanded, 48-team tournament.
“I think they’re very talented,” Harkes said. “But the critical part of any World Cup is that you have to come together as a team, and you need resilience and fight through adversity. Sometimes games don’t go your way. At the end of the day, you just need a little luck.”
Group D is one of the most well-balanced groups in this year’s World Cup. While the US is the betting favorite to win the group, Harkes noted the overall strength of these four teams.
“It’s a quality group,” Harkes said. “Paraguay is a great side. Australia as well, and Turkey is a strong, underrated side. They know how to fight and compete.”
The first- and second-place teams in each group will qualify for the Round of 32. Should the US advance from Group D, Harkes added that “anything is possible from there.”
Here are US World Cup odds from DraftKings:
- US Wins World Cup (+6000)
- US Wins Group D (+140)
- Christian Pulisic Wins Golden Boot Award (+8000)
Top US Players to Watch
The conversation always begins with Christian Pulisic, who plays for AC Milan. After 86 caps, the talented forward is the fastest to reach 50 goals for the US.
In the 2022 World Cup, “Captain America” recorded a goal and two assists to help carry the Americans to the Round of 16 in Qatar.
Weston McKennie, who anchors the US midfield, stars for Juventus in Italy. In 67 caps, he’s tallied 12 goals and seven assists for the US. McKennie scored his first goal for the national team at 19.
Folarin Balogun is scoring in bunches for AS Monaco with 11 goals in 14 games. The 24-year-old striker is expected to bolster America’s front line from 2022. In 27 caps, he’s amassed nine goals and four assists.
Harvard graduate Matt Freese gets the start in goal against Paraguay. He’s posted eight wins in 15 caps, with three clean sheets to his credit.
Keep an eye on America’s top defensive player. Chris Richards did not play in a friendly after suffering an ankle injury. His presence will be key for a US side that struggles with defensive lapses.
Picks: Turkey wins Group D, but the US also advances to the knockout stage. The team’s defensive deficiencies catch up with it in a Round of 32 loss.
USMNT Finishes at the World Cup
The US men’s national team has qualified for nine of the last 10 World Cup tournaments.
- 1930
Semifinals – lost 6-1 to Argentina - 1934
Round of 16 – lost 7-1 to Italy - 1950
Group Stage – 4th in group 2 - 1990
Group stage – 4th in group A - 1994
Round of 16 – lost 1-0 to Brazil - 1998
Group stage – 4th in group F - 2002
Quarterfinals – lost 1-0 to Germany - 2006
Group stage – 4th in group E - 2010
Round of 16 – lost 2-1 to Ghana - 2014
Round of 16 – lost 2-1 to Belgium - 2022
Round of 16 – lost 3-1 to the Netherlands - 2026
TBD
