2026 FIFA World Cup Group D: Schedule, Standings & Prediction

The United States hosts its first World Cup match on home soil in 32 years when Group D begins on June 12, 2026. The Americans face Paraguay, Australia, and a team from Europe that earns its spot through playoffs in March. This group gives the USA a clear path to the knockout rounds with home crowds behind them at every match.

Paraguay returns to the World Cup after missing the last three tournaments. They shocked South America by beating Brazil and Argentina during qualifying. Australia makes its sixth straight appearance since breaking through in 2006.

The fourth team won’t be known until spring when Turkey, Slovakia, Romania, or Kosovo fight for the final spot.

Group D Match Schedule & Fixtures

DATE	MATCH	TIME (ET)	VENUE
June 12	USA vs Paraguay	9:00 PM	SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
June 13	Australia vs UEFA Playoff C Winner	12:00 AM	BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
June 19	UEFA Playoff C vs Paraguay	12:00 AM	Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
June 19	USA vs Australia	3:00 PM	Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
June 25	USA vs UEFA Playoff C Winner	10:00 PM	SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
June 25	Paraguay vs Australia	10:00 PM	Lumen Field, Seattle, WA

The USA plays two matches at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. This gives them massive home support with 70,000+ fans at each venue. Australia opens in Vancouver before traveling to Santa Clara and Seattle. Paraguay plays across three West Coast venues.

Also Check: FIFA 2026 full Schedule

Group D Standings & Qualification Rules

POSITION	TEAM	PLAYED	WINS	DRAWS	LOSSES	GF	GA	GD	POINTS
1	USA	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2	Paraguay	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
3	Australia	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
4	UEFA Playoff C Winner	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

The top two teams advance directly to the Round of 32. The best eight third-place teams across all 12 groups also qualify. This means 32 of 48 teams move forward. Teams earn three points for wins, one for draws, and zero for losses.

Tiebreakers work in this order:

1. Head-to-head record
2. Goal difference in head-to-head games
3. Goals scored in head-to-head games
4. Overall goal difference
5. Overall goals scored
6. Fair play points (fewer cards is better)
7. FIFA rankings

World Cup Group D Team Analysis, Preview & History

United States – Playing at Home

The USA enters its 12th World Cup with automatic qualification as co-host. They last played at home in 1994 and the crowd support should push them through the group easily.

The Americans reached third place at the first World Cup in 1930. They beat Paraguay 3-0 in that tournament with Bert Patenaude scoring the first hat trick in World Cup history. Their best modern finish came in 2002 when they reached the quarterfinals before losing 1-0 to Germany.

The USA made seven straight World Cups from 1990 to 2014. They reached the Round of 16 four times during that run. Missing 2018 qualification shocked everyone but they returned in 2022 and lost to the Netherlands in the knockouts.

Mauricio Pochettino took over as coach in September 2024. The squad features Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Weston McKennie (Juventus), and Folarin Balogun. They beat Paraguay 2-1 in a November 2025 friendly. The Americans hold an overall 5-2-2 record against Paraguay and never played Australia at a World Cup.

Playing in Los Angeles twice and Seattle once gives the USA every advantage. The opening match against Paraguay on June 12 will draw massive attention as America’s World Cup return on home soil.

Paraguay – Back After 16 Years

Paraguay qualified sixth in South America but their path included wins over Brazil and Argentina. This shows they can compete with anyone despite missing the last three World Cups.

They reached the quarterfinals in 2010 as their best finish. Paraguay beat defending champion Italy in the group stage then defeated Japan on penalties. They lost 1-0 to eventual champion Spain in the quarters. The 1998 team also impressed by reaching the Round of 16 with legendary goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert.

Miguel Almirón leads the current team. The Newcastle midfielder played in MLS for Atlanta United. Paraguay plays defensive soccer and strikes on the counter. This style frustrates opponents but they need to score goals to advance.

The 16-year absence means few players have World Cup experience. This could hurt against the USA and Australia. They defend well and will make games tight but might lack the finishing touch needed to win matches.

Australia – Socceroos Aim for Round of 16

Australia makes its seventh World Cup and sixth straight since 2006. They’ve reached the Round of 16 twice and always compete hard despite not having the biggest names.

The 2006 tournament delivered their greatest moment. Trailing Japan 1-0 late, Tim Cahill scored twice in the final 10 minutes for a 3-1 comeback win. They reached the knockouts but lost to Italy on a controversial penalty in the 93rd minute.

Australia switched from Oceania to Asia in 2006. This made qualifying tougher but gave them better competition. They beat Tunisia and Denmark at the 2022 World Cup to reach the Round of 16 where Argentina eliminated them 2-1.

Graham Arnold coaches a disciplined defensive team. They won’t control possession but they create chances from set pieces. Australia holds the world record for biggest win (31-0 over American Samoa in 2001) and won the 2015 Asian Cup.

They face the playoff winner first in Vancouver which creates uncertainty. Nobody knows if Turkey, Slovakia, Romania, or Kosovo will join the group until March. The USA match in Seattle will be tough. Australia needs points from Paraguay to have a real shot at advancing.

UEFA Playoff C Winner – Four Teams Battle

Turkey, Slovakia, Romania, and Kosovo play single-elimination matches on March 26 and March 31 to decide who joins Group D. One bad game ends World Cup dreams with no second chances.

Turkey appears strongest. They finished third at the 2002 World Cup and have quality players like Kenan Yildiz from Juventus. Hakan Şükür holds the record for fastest World Cup goal at 11 seconds. They lost 2-1 to the USA in a June 2025 friendly.

Slovakia qualified for 2010 and reached the Round of 16. They have solid players like Stanislav Lobotka but lack star power.

Romania hasn’t been to a World Cup since 1998. They reached the quarterfinals in 1994 when Gheorghe Hagi led them.

Kosovo would make their World Cup debut. FIFA only recognized them in 2016. They’re the lowest ranked team but upset bigger nations during qualifying.

The winner enters Group D as a heavy underdog. Turkey has the best chance to steal points. They play attacking soccer which could create open games. Slovakia or Romania would defend and make matches boring. Kosovo might struggle if they get through.

World Cup 2026 Group D Predictions

POSITION	TEAM	PLAYED	WINS	DRAWS	LOSSES	GF	GA	GD	POINTS
1	USA	3	3	0	0	7	2	+5	9
2	Australia	3	1	1	1	3	3	0	4
3	Paraguay	3	1	0	2	3	5	-2	3
4	Turkey	3	0	1	2	2	5	-3	1

The USA should win all three matches. Home crowds and superior talent make them clear favorites. They beat Paraguay recently and history favors them. Australia presents the toughest challenge but Seattle still gives the Americans an edge.

Australia finishes second with four points. They’ll draw with Turkey and grind out results against Paraguay. This matches their 2006 and 2022 performances where they advanced without dominating.

Paraguay takes third with three points from beating Australia. Their defensive style frustrates opponents but they lack goals. A third-place finish might advance them as one of eight best third-place teams.

Turkey (or whoever wins the playoff) finishes last with one point. The three-month gap between playoffs and the World Cup hurts their sharpness.

Key Factors & Matches to Watch

USA vs Paraguay (June 12) opens the tournament for both teams. The Americans haven’t played a World Cup match at home since 1994. Paraguay beat Brazil and Argentina so they can upset anyone. A Paraguay goal could silence 70,000 fans at SoFi Stadium and create pressure.

USA vs Australia (June 19) likely decides first place. Both teams should win their openers. Australia proved in 2022 they can beat higher-ranked teams by stunning Denmark. They’ll defend deep and look for set pieces. The USA must break them down without getting caught on the counter.

Home advantage gives the USA a massive boost. SoFi Stadium holds 70,000 and Lumen Field seats 68,000. American fans will outnumber visitors 100-to-1. Paraguay and Australia play in hostile environments at home but nothing matches a USA World Cup crowd.

The playoff winner creates planning problems. Nobody knows who joins the group until March 31. Turkey plays different from Kosovo or Slovakia. Teams can’t prepare specific tactics until late spring.

Paraguay’s counter-attack caused problems for Brazil and Argentina. Miguel Almirón’s speed makes them dangerous on the break. The USA and Australia must push forward to score but can’t leave gaps behind.

2026 FIFA World Cup Group D FAQs

Group D gives the United States its best chance to advance deep into a World Cup. Home crowds in Los Angeles and Seattle create an electric atmosphere that should carry them through.

The Americans open June 12 at SoFi Stadium with history and massive expectations on their shoulders.