2026 FIFA World Cup Group D: Teams, Schedule, Standings, and Knockout Path

Group D Overview for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The United States will launch its most significant soccer event in decades as one of the main hosts of the 2026 World Cup. Managed by Mauricio Pochettino, the US team is placed in Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey. This group was considered relatively manageable after the December 5 draw, giving the US a solid chance to advance on home turf.

Fixtures and Match Schedule

• June 12, 9 p.m. ET: United States vs. Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
• June 14, 12 a.m. ET: Australia vs. Turkey at BC Place, Vancouver, CAN
• June 19, 3 p.m. ET: United States vs. Australia at Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
• June 20, 12 a.m. ET: Turkey vs. Paraguay at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
• June 25, 10 p.m. ET: Turkey vs. United States at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
• June 25, 10 p.m. ET: Paraguay vs. Australia at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA

How Ties Are Broken in Group Stage

If teams finish level on points, FIFA’s rules apply these steps to rank them:

• Results from matches between tied teams
• Goal difference in those matches
• Goals scored in those matches
• If still tied, overall group goal difference
• Overall goals scored in group matches
• Team conduct score based on cards
• FIFA rankings if all else fails

Advancement of Third-Place Teams

The top eight third-place teams from all groups also move on to the Round of 32. They are ranked by points, goal difference, goals scored, conduct score, and FIFA ranking.

Teams in Group D

United States

Hosting puts pressure on the US to make a deep run. After group-stage exit at the 2024 Copa America, they replaced Gregg Berhalter with Mauricio Pochettino and aim to surpass past achievements. Christian Pulisic leads a squad that includes Chris Richards, Weston McKennie, and Antonee Robinson. Historically, the US reached the World Cup quarterfinals only once (2002), never winning against a non-CONCACAF knockout opponent. The goal is clear: break that barrier on home soil.

FIFA ranking: 16Coach: Mauricio Pochettino (ARG)Key players: Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Weston McKennie (Juventus)

Australia

The Socceroos qualified directly for the sixth straight World Cup, led by coach Tony Popovic. Despite an unbeaten 2025 until October, they suffered recent friendly losses to USA, Venezuela, and Colombia. Australia seeks to match their best finishes (Round of 16 in 2006 and 2022), buoyed by emerging talents Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Toure, plus Cristian Volpato who switched allegiance from Italy.

FIFA ranking: 27Coach: Tony Popovic (AUS)Key players: Mat Ryan (Levante), Jackson Irvine (FC St Pauli), Nestory Irankunda (Watford)

Paraguay

Absent since 2010, Paraguay returns under Gustavo Alfaro aiming to reach the knockout rounds again. They earned the last direct spot in CONMEBOL qualifiers after rebuilding with a mix of veterans and newcomers like Miguel Almiron and Julio Enciso. Defensive strength and competitive spirit mark this side.

FIFA ranking: 40Coach: Gustavo Alfaro (ARG)Key players: Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United), Julio Enciso (Strasbourg), Gustavo Gomez (Palmeiras)

Turkey

Despite a rich football culture and a semifinal finish in 2002, Turkey has appeared in only two World Cups. Under Italian coach Vincenzo Montella, they made the Euro 2024 quarterfinals with stars like Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and Juventus' Kenan Yildiz leading a promising generation.

FIFA ranking: 22Coach: Vincenzo Montella (ITA)Key players: Arda Guler (Real Madrid), Kenan Yildiz (Juventus), Ferdi Kadioglu (Brighton)

Broadcast Info and Viewing Options

In the US, Fox holds the English-language broadcast rights. Streaming is available via Fubo, which offers a free trial. Other major territories have their own broadcasters and streaming platforms:

• Canada: TSN, Amazon Prime
• UK: BBC, ITV, STV with BBC iPlayer, ITV X, STV Player
• Australia: SBS, SBS On Demand
• India: To be announced

Knockout Stage Path for Group D Teams

The Group D winner enters the knockout bracket's top half, facing a third-place team from Groups B, E, F, I, or J. The runner-up slots into the bottom half against the Group G runner-up. Third-place qualifiers from Group D may face different group winners depending on outcomes, with 495 possible combinations overall.

Selected Round of 32 Matches Involving Group D

• July 1, 8 p.m. ET: Match 9 – 1st in Group D vs. 3rd place finisher at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
• July 3, 2 p.m. ET: Match 16 – 2nd in Group D vs. 2nd in Group G at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX