USMNT draws Australia, Paraguay
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U.S. Men's National Team midfielder Tyler Adams believes a "realistic" goal for the United States is to make the semifinal of the 2026 World Cup.
The United States will open the World Cup 2026 against Paraguay and also face Australia and a European team to be determined in Group D.
Led by manager Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT will open the tournament against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12, before facing Australia on June 19 in Seattle. After their quick foray to the Pacific Northwest, they will return to Los Angeles to face one of Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo from the UEFA Playoff Path.
And the requirement of a European team in each group denied the U.S. the chance to have beloved minnow Cape Verde in its group. The U.S. avoided some of the European teams looming as potential threats; Italy, Denmark, and Ukraine would head elsewhere.
The World Cup 2026 draw has been made, with England set to face Croatia in the group stages, and the USMNT to take on Australia. Brazil have been drawn with Morocco, while France will play Senegal and Argentina must face Austria.
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino says he is aiming to return to and win the Premier League. Pochettino, 53, has been in charge of the U.S. since November 2024 and previously coached Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in the English top flight.