If you want to know about usmnt at world cup 2026, this guide covers everything you need. This guide is maintained by a Kansas City local. Some links may be affiliate links. We only recommend things we’d tell a friend about.
The United States Men’s National Team enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as co-hosts with a young, talented roster and the pressure of performing on home soil. The US is in Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia, and a UEFA playoff winner. Here is everything you need to know about the USMNT’s path through the 2026 World Cup.
Group D: USA’s Draw: Usmnt At World Cup 2026
The draw on December 5, 2025, placed the United States in Group D. The group is considered favorable but not easy. Here are the opponents:
| Team | FIFA Ranking | Confederation | Key Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | #14 | CONCACAF | Co-host, West Coast group |
| Paraguay | #39 | CONMEBOL | Physical South American side |
| Australia | #26 | AFC | Athletic, organized, experienced |
| UEFA Path C Winner | TBD | UEFA | Turkey (#38), Slovakia (#48), Romania (#34), or Kosovo (#107) |
The fourth team depends on the UEFA Path C playoff, decided in March 2026. If Turkey qualifies, Group D becomes significantly harder. Turkey are ranked #38 with a strong squad including Premier League players. If Slovakia, Romania, or Kosovo wins, the group remains manageable for the US.
USA Match Schedule
All three USA group matches are on the West Coast, in Los Angeles and Seattle: Mastering usmnt at world cup 2026 takes practice but delivers great results.
| Match | Date | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA vs Paraguay | June 12, 2026 | 6:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM CT | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles |
| USA vs Australia | June 19, 2026 | 12:00 PM PT / 2:00 PM CT | Lumen Field, Seattle |
| TBD vs USA | June 25, 2026 | 7:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM CT | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles |
The USA plays their first two matches at two of the most iconic venues in American sports. SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles holds 70,000 and was built for $5.5 billion. Lumen Field in Seattle is famous for its deafening crowd noise and passionate soccer culture.
For Kansas City fans, the USA matches are at 8 PM CT, 2 PM CT, and 9 PM CT. Find KC watch party locations to cheer on the USMNT with fellow fans.
USA Base Camp
The USMNT has set up their base camp at Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California, staying at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum. This makes sense given that two of their three group matches are in Los Angeles.
Expected Roster: Key Players
The final 26-man squad will be announced in late May 2026. Based on current form and selection patterns, here are the key players expected to represent the USMNT: Understanding usmnt at world cup 2026 is key to a great World Cup experience.
Attackers
| Player | Club | Age | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Pulisic | AC Milan | 27 | Captain, creative attacker. The most important American player. Has thrived at AC Milan since 2023. |
| Tim Weah | Juventus | 26 | Winger/forward. Pace and directness, son of George Weah. |
| Folarin Balogun | Monaco | 24 | Striker. Physical, composed finisher in Ligue 1. |
| Giovanni Reyna | Borussia Dortmund | 23 | Attacking midfielder. Huge talent when fit. |
| Josh Sargent | Norwich City | 26 | Backup striker. Physical aerial presence. |
Midfielders
| Player | Club | Age | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weston McKennie | Juventus | 27 | Box-to-box midfielder. Energy, goals, and leadership in Serie A. |
| Yunus Musah | AC Milan | 23 | Central midfielder. Ball-carrying and press resistance. |
| Tyler Adams | Bournemouth | 27 | Defensive midfielder. Captain material, organizer. |
| Johnny Cardoso | Real Betis | 23 | Deep-lying playmaker. Rising star in La Liga. |
Defenders and Goalkeeper
| Player | Club | Age | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antonee Robinson | Fulham | 28 | Left back. One of the Premier League’s best. |
| Sergino Dest | PSV | 25 | Right back. Attack-minded, Barcelona pedigree. |
| Chris Richards | Crystal Palace | 26 | Center back. Physically dominant. |
| Tim Ream | Fulham | 38 | Center back. Veteran presence, possible final tournament. |
| Matt Turner | Crystal Palace | 31 | Goalkeeper. Big-game experience. |
Manager: Gregg Berhalter (or TBD)
The USMNT coaching situation may evolve before the tournament. The US Soccer Federation faces enormous pressure to deliver results on home soil. Regardless of who manages, the tactical approach is expected to emphasize high pressing, quick transitions, and using the home crowd advantage.
How Far Can the USA Go?
The best US World Cup result was reaching the Quarterfinals in 2002 (South Korea/Japan). At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the US advanced from the group stage before losing to the Netherlands in the Round of 16. In 2026, the home advantage, large crowds, and a favorable group draw create a realistic path to the Quarterfinals or beyond.
The 48-team format means the USA needs to finish in the top 2 of Group D or be among the 8 best third-placed teams to advance. Given the group composition, the US should be strong favorites to advance. The real test comes in the knockout rounds.
USA’s World Cup History
| Year | Result | Host | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Round of 16 | Qatar | Lost to Netherlands 3-1 |
| 2018 | Did not qualify | Russia | Shock elimination in qualifying |
| 2014 | Round of 16 | Brazil | Lost to Belgium 2-1 (extra time) |
| 2010 | Round of 16 | South Africa | Won group, lost to Ghana |
| 2006 | Group stage | Germany | |
| 2002 | Quarterfinals | S. Korea/Japan | Best modern result, beat Mexico in R16 |
| 1994 | Round of 16 | USA (host) | Last time USA hosted, advanced from group |
| 1930 | Third place | Uruguay | Best-ever result at inaugural World Cup |
Watching the USMNT in Kansas City
While the USA’s group matches are on the West Coast, Kansas City is one of the best cities in America to watch the USMNT on TV. The metro area has a deep soccer culture thanks to Sporting KC, the KC Current, and one of the most passionate American Outlaws chapters in the country. When it comes to usmnt at world cup 2026, preparation matters most.
Expect massive watch parties across the city for every USA match. The Power & Light District downtown, No Other Pub at Children’s Mercy Park, and dozens of sports bars along the I-70 corridor will be packed. See our full KC Watch Parties guide for the best spots.
If the USA Advances: Knockout Round Venues
If the USA wins Group D or advances as a third-placed team, their Round of 32 match would likely be on the East Coast or Central time zone. A deep run could bring the USMNT to Kansas City for the Quarterfinal on July 11, which would be one of the biggest sporting events in KC history.
The path to the Final at MetLife Stadium on July 19 goes through Boston, LA, Miami, or Kansas City (Quarterfinals), then Dallas or Atlanta (Semifinals). A USA vs England or USA vs Argentina knockout match in Kansas City is every fan’s dream scenario.
Further reading: For more information, see FIFA World Cup 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams will the USMNT play against at World Cup 2026?
The USMNT is in Group D with Paraguay, Australia, and a UEFA playoff winner (Turkey, Slovakia, Romania, or Kosovo). The fourth opponent will be determined in March 2026 when the UEFA Path C playoff is decided.
When and where are the USA’s group stage matches scheduled for World Cup 2026?
All three USMNT matches are on the West Coast: USA vs Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, USA vs Australia on June 19 at Lumen Field in Seattle, and the final group match on June 25 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Times are listed in both PT and CT.
What makes Group D considered favorable for the USMNT at World Cup 2026?
Group D is manageable because Paraguay (ranked 39th) and Australia (ranked 26th) are beatable opponents for the US, which is ranked 14th. However, if Turkey qualifies from the UEFA playoff, the group becomes significantly harder since Turkey is ranked 38th with a strong squad including Premier League players.
Is Kansas City hosting any USMNT group matches at World Cup 2026?
No, all USMNT group stage matches are scheduled on the West Coast at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Lumen Field in Seattle, not at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. However, Kansas City may host matches in later tournament rounds if the team advances.