2026 World Cup Group D preview
The 2026 World Cup's Group D includes the co-host U.S., a young but talented Türkiye, the Australian Socceroos and Paraguay, the South American wild card.
The U.S. was slotted into Group D, alongside Türkiye, Australia and Paraguay. Among the groups featuring hosts, Group D is the most evenly matched. Here’s what to look for.
USA
FIFA Ranking: No. 16
Nickname: The Stars and Stripes
Goal: Quarterfinals
The Story: Vibes are mixed for Team USA heading into the 2026 World Cup. This is a generation of players that has disappointed time and again. The squad failed to qualify for the 2018 tournament and managed just one win four years ago in Qatar. More recently, the U.S. failed to win either of the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League Finals or Gold Cup tournaments, the team’s last competitive matches before the World Cup. Despite those results, this squad is full of athletes playing at top-flight European clubs, making it the most talented roster the U.S. has ever put together — on paper, at least.
Key Player: Christian Pulisic
Team USA will go as far as Captain America takes them. Forward Christian Pulisic is entering his prime at 27, and in his time with the national team, he has shown a knack for scoring crucial goals in key moments. But those clutch moments have been scarce since late December, the last time Pulisic found the back of the net. Since then, he’s been mired by injuries and the longest goal draught of his career. Pulisic plays for AC Milan, one of the top teams in Italy, but it’s been a mixed season for the winger. If the U.S. hopes to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002, Pulisic must break his slump.
Türkiye
FIFA Ranking: No. 22
Nickname: The Crescent-Stars
Goal: Quarterfinals
The Story: It’s been 24 years since the last time the Crescent-Stars played at the World Cup. In that time, the country has rebranded itself as Türkiye and ushered in a golden generation of players, highlighted by 21-year-old Arda Güler of Real Madrid and 20-year-old Kenan Yildiz of Juventus. For Türkiye, 2026 will be only its third World Cup, but the European side is no stranger to what it takes to succeed. In 2002, Türkiye won the bronze medal, and this summer, the Crescent-Stars will be aiming for another deep run.
Key Player: Hakan Çalhanoğlu
While Türkiye’s roster is highlighted by its talented young forwards, the key player will be captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu. The 32-year-old midfielder has played for Inter Milan in Italy’s Serie A since 2021, and he’s proven to be a dangerous scorer from distance and free kicks. Çalhanoğlu will need to lead the way for Türkiye, making sure his young teammates find their rhythm early.
