With the 2026 FIFA World Cup starting in June, we’re kicking off the excitement leading up to the tournament by previewing each of the groups.
In the next of our Group profiles, we take a look at Group D, which features the host nation, the United States, alongside a competitive South American side in Paraguay, an ever-improving Australia, and a dangerous European outfit in Turkey. With home advantage, international pedigree, and contrasting styles, this group has all the ingredients for a tightly contested battle.
Matches will take place between 12 and 25 June 2026, with the top teams advancing to the knockout rounds.
Group D
United States
Paraguay
Australia
Turkey
Group D Fixtures
12 June 2026
United States vs Paraguay
Time: 03:00 (SAST) (13 June)
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California, USA
13 June 2026
Australia vs Turkey
Time: 06:00 (SAST) (14 June)
Venue: BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
19 June 2026
United States vs Australia
Time: 21:00 (SAST)
Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington, USA
Turkey vs Paraguay
Time: 05:00 (SAST) (20 June)
Venue: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California, USA
25 June 2026
Turkey vs United States
Time: 04:00 (SAST) (26 June)
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California, USA
Paraguay vs Australia
Time: 04:00 (SAST) (26 June)
Venue: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California, USA
United States
Preview
As one of the host nations, the United States enters the tournament with both expectation and opportunity. The US has disappointed in most World Cup tournaments, with its best result being a seminal finish in the inaugural tournament in 1930 and a quarterfinal loss to Germany in 2002.
However, the team has grown significantly in recent years, combining youthful energy with increasing experience at the highest level. Known for its athleticism, pressing game, and quick transitions, the USA will look to make full use of home support. Backed by key players competing in top European leagues, such as Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Johnny Cardoso, and Weston McKennie, the team has the tools to compete strongly in the group.
Prediction
The United States’ home advantage could prove decisive, and it has a strong chance of progressing if it can handle the pressure.
Paraguay
Preview
Paraguay returns to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 with a reputation for resilience and defensive organisation. Historically a tough team to break down, Paraguay relies on structure, discipline, and physicality. While not always the most prolific attacking side, its top players such as Miguel Almirón, Julio Enciso, and defender Gustavo Gómez could prove effective at frustrating opponents and capitalising on key moments.
Prediction
Paraguay is capable of pushing for qualification but will need to convert tight matches into results.
Australia
Preview
Australia has generally underwhelmed at FIFA World Cups, with its best performance being a Round of 16 finish in 2006 and 2022. Despite these disappointments, the “Socceroos” has still been a consistent World Cup participant, known for its fighting spirit and disciplined approach.
The team combines physical strength with improving technical ability and often performs above expectations on the global stage. With a host of established players such as Jackson Irvine, Craig Goodwin, Harry Souttar and Riley McGree, Australia will adopt a never-say-die attitude that will make it a difficult opponent.
Prediction
Australia will be competitive throughout and could challenge for a knockout spot with consistent performances.
Turkey
Preview
Turkey will make its 3rd appearance at the FIFA World Cup, after last appearing in 2002, where it finished 3rd. The Turks bring a mix of flair, aggression, and tactical organisation to the tournament, and the team is capable of strong performances on the world stage. It boasts technically gifted players and established names such as Hakan Çalhanoğlu, rising star Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız, and thrives on high-tempo football, making it a dangerous opponent in an open group.
Prediction
Turkey is a strong contender to qualify and could emerge as one of the top teams in the group.
Looking Ahead
Group D presents a compelling mix of styles, with the United States’ energy, Paraguay’s discipline, Australia’s resilience, and Turkey’s attacking threat all coming into play. With no clear runaway favourite, the race for qualification could go down to the final round of matches. With plenty at stake and little separating the teams, every match in this group could prove decisive.
Get Your Game On
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