The United States are in Group D at the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey. Mauricio Pochettino’s co-hosts play all three group games in American stadiums. The USMNT open their home World Cup against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 12. This is the most important football occasion in American sporting history.
USA’s Group Stage Fixtures
Match 1: USA vs Paraguay
Date: Friday June 12, 2026
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
Kick-off: 9:00pm ET
The USMNT’s home World Cup opener at SoFi Stadium, which holds 70,000 and will be packed with American fans. Pulisic, Balogun, Adams, and McKennie in front of their home crowd for the biggest game in American football history. Paraguay are disciplined and physical but the home atmosphere should carry USA through.
Match 2: USA vs Australia
Date: Thursday June 19, 2026
Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington
Kick-off: 3:00pm ET
USA’s second group game in Seattle. Lumen Field holds 69,000. Australia reached the quarter-finals in 2022 and will not be easy opponents. Harry Souttar provides aerial authority for Australia. Balogun needs to be clinical in the box if he is to justify his place ahead of Pepi and Wright.
Match 3: USA vs Turkey
Date: Thursday June 25, 2026
Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Kick-off: 9:00pm ET
The group decider. Turkey have Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz. The most technically gifted opposition the USA face in the group stage. NRG Stadium holds 72,000. A USA win sends both teams through but also secures top spot. A draw also likely advances both teams. This is the game that determines the knockout bracket path for the USMNT.
USA’s Knockout Path
Round of 32: Group D winners vs best third-place team — Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara — June 30
Round of 16: Venue TBC — July 4 to 7
Quarter-Final: Venue TBC — July 9 or 10
Semi-Final: MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey — July 14
Final: MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey — July 19
USA’s Key Players
Christian Pulisic — The captain and the player whose form determines how far the USMNT goes. His recent goal drought at AC Milan is the one concern heading into the tournament. When he is firing, USA are genuinely dangerous.
Folarin Balogun — The starting striker with competition from Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright. At 23, this is his moment to prove he belongs at the highest level on the biggest stage.
Tyler Adams — The midfield captain and the glue that holds everything together. His pressing intensity and ball-winning ability are the foundation of Pochettino’s system.
Antonee Robinson — One of the Premier League’s best left-backs. His pace and attacking contributions give the USMNT a consistent threat from deep on their left side.
Sources: ESPN, NBC Sports
