USA World Cup 2026 Draw: Key Information on USMNT Group, Schedule, Roster, Coach, and More

As hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States has been pre-drawn from Pot 1 into Group D. This is a traditional procedure, as hosting nations are placed into Pot 1 to enhance their home match experience and organize better venue placement.

Group D Match Schedule

The United States has participated in 11 World Cup tournaments prior to hosting the 2026 competition. Across these 11 events, the U.S. has won its group on two occasions and finished second three times. They claimed victory in 1930, at the inaugural World Cup, and again in 2010 after topping England’s group.

Entering the World Cup draw ranked 14th globally, the U.S. was automatically placed in Pot 1 due to its co-host status. Their best finish remains a third-place achievement back in 1930, yet the quarterfinal run in 2002 is often considered the pinnacle of modern U.S. soccer.

Current FIFA World Ranking: No. 4 (November 2025)

World Cup titles: 0 (Best finish: 3rd place — 1930)

World Cup appearances (last): 11 (Qatar 2022)

How USA qualified: Automatic (co-hosts)

USA World Cup 2026 Preview

Being the primary hosts carries significant pressure for the U.S. team as they strive to elevate U.S. soccer’s status among the elite in world football. Fans aspire for the USMNT to be a leading national team, recognizing that this journey demands time and consistency.

Following a disappointing exit in the group stage of the 2024 Copa America, U.S. Soccer made a bold move by hiring Mauricio Pochettino as head coach, pouring a record investment into creating a winning environment in 2026.

• Star Players: Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams
• Players to Watch: Antonee Robinson, Chris Richards, Folarin Balogun

Who is USA Head Coach?

After a lackluster Copa America showing in 2024, U.S. Soccer shook things up by parting ways with Gregg Berhalter and bringing in the renowned Mauricio Pochettino. This strategic hire marked a historic financial commitment for the federation, holding immense promise and expectations for success.

Pochettino, taking on his first international managerial role, has a successful history with elite clubs like Tottenham and PSG. Known for his tactical acumen and motivational skills, he faces the challenge of shaping the U.S. squad ahead of the World Cup.

Leading into the tournament, Pochettino experimented with personnel and formations, resulting in diverse on-field performances, including several losses to regional rival Mexico. By late 2025, it appears he has settled on a tactical structure, employing a flexible 3-4-2-1 formation in possession that can adjust defensively.

• Manager (Nationality): Mauricio Pochettino (Argentina)
• Date Hired: September 10, 2024
• Record as National Team Manager (W-D-L): 13-2-7* (As of November 2025)

This national team, spearheaded by Christian Pulisic, is arguably the strongest iteration ever seen for the USMNT. However, the players must validate this potential with performances that reach new heights on the international stage.

Historically, the benchmark for the USMNT at the World Cup has been reaching the quarterfinals. Since their quarterfinal run in 2002, they have yet to replicate that achievement against non-CONCACAF teams; thus, achieving this goal during the tournament is critical.

USA Predicted Starting XI (Formation: 3-4-2-1)

Freese (GK)

Ream, Richards, A. Robinson

Weah, Adams, Tessmann, Dest

Pulisic, McKennie

Balogun

Strengths:

• Forwards: Once seen as a major weakness, the U.S. boasts a wealth of attacking talent, led by Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun, both enjoying stellar form for club and country. Additional strength comes from players like Tim Weah and Ricardo Pepi, who have also made impactful contributions.

Midfield:

• The starting midfielders are presently at their peak; with Tyler Adams providing invaluable experience in the Premier League, and Weston McKennie excelling in Serie A, they form a dynamic central partnership complemented by emerging talents like Tanner Tessmann.

Weaknesses:

• Goalkeeper: Historically, the U.S. has produced top-tier goalkeepers, but recent years have seen a decline in quality. Matt Turner’s form has dipped, leading to Matt Freese potentially stepping in as the primary starter, navigating a shallow depth in goalkeeping talent.

Fitness:

• The U.S. has consistently battled injuries among key players, such as Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna, affecting overall squad depth and competitiveness. Monitoring player health leading into the tournament is crucial.

USA Roster for 2026 World Cup

Below is a projected 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup. This will be updated closer to the tournament as U.S. Soccer announces the final squad.

USA World Cup Qualifying Results

The United States automatically qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, given their co-host status alongside Canada and Mexico.

USA All-Time World Cup Qualifying Leaders

Here’s a breakdown of their all-time leaders in World Cup qualifying matches throughout USMNT history.

The U.S. has appeared in 11 World Cups, and the 2026 tournament will mark their 12th participation. Their best finish, a third place, came in 1930, while many regard the 2002 quarterfinal run as their most significant achievement in modern football.

During the 2002 World Cup, they achieved their only Round of 16 victory against Mexico. However, they’ve yet to defeat a non-CONCACAF opponent in the knockout stage of a modern World Cup.

• World Cup Appearances: 11
• Best Finish: 3rd place (1930)
• All-Time Goals Scored: 40
• All-Time Goals Conceded: 66
• All-Time Record (W-D-L): 9-8-20