The 2026 FIFA World Cup is less than two weeks away, and the 12 groups are set ahead of the newly expanded 48-team tournament.
The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marks the first time the historic tournament has expanded from 32 to 48 teams. It will also feature a new Round of 32 knockout stage, resulting in a colossal 104 matches across 39 days.
Group D includes the United States, Paraguay, Australia and Turkey. Let’s take a look at the Group D teams and see how each team is shaping up heading into the tournament.
This year’s World Cup will be monumental for the USMNT, as it is arguably the most talented team the United States has fielded in years, and the advantage of playing on home soil could catapult them into the upper echelon of international teams. Although the U.S. did not have to qualify for the tournament because they are one of the hosts, they remain one of the top teams in the competition, with young talent across the board and now under the leadership of Mauricio Pochettino.
Under Pochettino, the USMNT has looked tactically sound and employs a high-press style that recently led them to a 3-2 victory over Senegal in a friendly. The U.S. will need veterans like Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie to be at the top of their game if they want to make a deep run on home turf.
While many fans might not be expecting a World Cup title from the USMNT, the immense talent within the squad, combined with steady leadership and support from the home crowd, should have both players and fans believing a quarterfinal appearance is within reach.
Paraguay is making its first World Cup appearance since 2010, a tournament in which it found success and advanced as far as the quarterfinals. Paraguay was a consistent World Cup participant in the early 2000s but has struggled to qualify over the last decade.
Paraguay manager Gustavo Alfaro has infused the squad with experience and grit, helping shape Paraguay into a defensive-minded team with a back line that is difficult to break down. Atlanta United’s Miguel Almirón will be an important veteran tasked with helping lead Paraguay back onto the world stage.
Australia has become a consistent World Cup participant, with the 2026 World Cup marking its sixth straight tournament appearance. Australia previously reached the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup before losing to eventual champions Argentina.
Their manager Tony Popovic has given Australia the boost it needed in recent years and has infused a new counter-attacking style that helped them go 11-1-4 in World Cup qualifying. The Socceroos are led by captain Mathew Ryan, who has been in goal for the last three World Cups and will make his fourth appearance this summer.
Turkey’s inclusion in the World Cup marks its first appearance since 2002, ushering in a new and exciting era of Turkish soccer. Turkey performed well in the qualifying stage with an overall record of 6-1-1, including the playoff stage. Turkey may be one of the most intriguing teams entering the tournament, as it features a strong mix of exceptional young talent and experienced players.
Turkey plays a flexible, hybrid style of soccer, with Inter Milan’s Hakan Çalhanoğlu often controlling the tempo from midfield, which allows Turkey’s young talents, Kenan Yıldız and Arda Güler, to create chances and score goals. If both Yıldız and Güler are playing at their best this summer, it could be a scary sight for Group D and the rest of the tournament.
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