World Cup 2026 Group D Preview: Will the United States get a Hometown Boost?
The World Cup 2026 is about to kick off, and the United States is in Group D. Everyone wants to know, with the World Cup coming to North America in 2026, whether the United States will get a hometown bump. This has historically been the case, and when the World Cup was last in the United States. The United States made it to the quarterfinal round in South Korea in 2002. They made it out of the group stage and all the way to the quarterfinals in 1994, when they last hosted.
World Cup Group D is favorable for the United States; also in the group are Australia, Paraguay, and Turkey. None of the competition is exactly world-beaters, and the United States should be buoyed by celebrating its 250-year anniversary. How far do you think the United States will go in 2026?
World Cup 2026 Group D Preview
The United States, or Sam’s Army, leads World Cup Group D. They have several stars, but feel flat on their faces in the last World Cup. The United States is led by the now 32-year-old Christian Pulisic, who plays for AC Milan, and dynamic midfielder Weston McKennie.
Pusilic has game-breaking qualities and might be the big star of this tournament. Nevertheless, he has not scored a goal for the US Men’s National Team since November 2024. If you are looking for a possible breakout star, look to Alex Freeman, who just moved to Villarreal after starring for Orlando City, of Major League Soccer in the United States. The defender is only 21. The United States could ride young stars like this one all the way to the quarterfinals.
The biggest in-group challenge to the United States night be Australia. The Socceroos are sound defensively, being led by former star Tony Popovic. Their defensive prowess makes them a potentially tough nut to crack and should lead them out of Group D, but that should be as far as they go.
The Australians should be led by goalkeeper Matthew Ryan. He is good enough to clear up several mistakes by the Socceroos. Ryan has played in Spain, the Netherlands, England, and France. He could come up big if the Aussies face penalty shots, and is noted for his distribution of the ball. Another to watch is Nestory Irankunda, a 20-year-old product of the Bayern Munich system. The forward could score a lot of goals.
Do not expect a lot from Paraguay in this tournament. They were one of the surprises of the 2010 Cup, but will likely not make it out of Group D this go around. The hopes of La Albirroja will rely on their tough midfield and the skilled centerback pair of Gustavo Gomez and Omar Alderte.
Look for midfielder Miguel Almiron to control the tempo for Paraguay. He plays for Major League Soccer in the United States. He plays with Atlanta United. Look also for a possible breakout from Diego Gomez, who played midfield alongside Lionel Messi in Atlanta. Now he is in the Premier League with Brighton.
The last member of Group D is Turkey. This is a dangerous team that marries a veteran defense with young and exciting attackers. This is a team that plays with flair and could make it to the round of 16. Hakan Calhanoglu directs the attack and sets the tempo. He will be frustrated, however, by the team’s lack of a true attacker.
The star is midfielder Arda Gular. He is only 21, but plays for Real Madrid. He is dangerous and could score a lot of points by himself for the Turks. A potential breakout star for Turkey is Baris Alper Yilmez. He is electrifying playing at the club level in Turkey. If he can duplicate that success in the World Cup, he could be a star.
World Cup Group D Forecast
This could be one of the groups in the World Cup that moves three of its members out of the group phase. The United States should ride the momentum of a home cup and the 250th anniversary of the country to the round of 16, or beyond. Turkey is also a skilled squad that could make the round of 16. Australia is a tough opponent that could make it out of this group on the back of a bunch of low-scoring draws. Paraguay will likely go 0-3 in this group and exit after the group stage.
