The 2026 FIFA World Cup is right here.
And for the US, expectations couldn’t be increased.
Not solely is the US one in every of three host nations this 12 months, together with Mexico and Canada, however for the USMNT that is the “Golden Era,” a bunch that was the youngest squad on the 2022 World Cup, however has grown right into a veteran squad with an opportunity to advance on dwelling soil for this 12 months’s version of the World Cup.
This can be a roster that features members who’ve spent years enjoying abroad, reminiscent of Weston McKinnie at Juventus, and Christian Pulisic with AC Milan.
It’s led by coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has been answerable for such powerhouse golf equipment as Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain. Pochettino himself has began to dream about greater issues.
“Why not us? Why not us? Why not us?” mentioned Pochettino on the finish of March. “We have to actually imagine that we might be there. We have to dream.”
And as we’ll see in a second, the USMNT has a considerably favorable path to attaining their desires on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What group is the USMNT in on the World Cup?
Throughout the FIFA World Cup Draw held again in December, the USMNT had a bonus as one of many host nations, which noticed the crew positioned into the highest spot of their group.
The USMNT was drawn into Group D, together with Paraguay and Australia. The fourth slot was reserved for the winner of a FIFA World Cup Playoff, which was performed within the spring.
Türkiye finally secured that fourth spot.
How does the US stack up in opposition to the remainder of the groups in its group?
In keeping with the newest version of the FIFA World Cup rankings, the USMNT is ranked seventeenth on this planet. Türkiye is ranked 22, whereas Australia is 27, and Paraguay is 40.
That, plus the advantage of enjoying on dwelling soil, provides the US an excellent probability at advancing out of its group.
What would occur if the USMNT advances?
Right here is the place issues get very fascinating.
With the growth to 48 groups, FIFA has launched a brand new Spherical of 32 within the knockout stage. The highest two groups from every of the 12 teams advance mechanically, plus the eight finest third-place groups.
What may that imply for the US?
As famous above, the USMNT is the top-ranked crew in Group D. With the advantage of enjoying at dwelling, that provides the US an opportunity at successful that group. Ought to the USMNT win Group D, they’d face a type of third-place groups, from both Group B, Group E, Group F, Group I, or Group J.
Then, if the USMNT wins that match, they’d face the winner of a match between the highest crew out of Group G, and a third-place crew, within the Spherical of 16, with a spot within the quarterfinals on the road. Belgium is the top-ranked crew in Group G, at present ranked ninth on this planet.
This favorable path is among the causes many imagine that reaching the quarterfinals is an inexpensive set of expectations for the USMNT.
USMNT group stage schedule and outcomes
Right here is the schedule for the USMNT’s three matches through the group stage. All occasions are Jap.
United States 4, Paraguay 1
United States vs. Australia, 3:00 p.m., FOX
Türkiye vs. United States, 10:00 p.m., FOX
