Mauricio Pochettino leads the United States into a home World Cup with rising expectations and a new generation ready to shine

UNITED STATES 🇺🇸

FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group D

The Big Picture

The United States enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup with enormous expectations as one of the tournament’s three host nations.

After reaching the Round of 16 in Qatar 2022, the Stars and Stripes now aim to make their deepest World Cup run in modern history under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Coach

Mauricio Pochettino became United States head coach in September 2024 following Gregg Berhalter’s departure.

The Argentine brings elite-level experience after managing clubs including Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Southampton, and Espanyol. His appointment signals the ambition of a U.S. program determined to compete with the world’s best on home soil.

Group D Schedule

Road to 2026

The United States automatically qualified as a co-host nation alongside Canada and Mexico.

This will be the country’s 12th World Cup appearance and its second time hosting the tournament after USA 1994, when the Americans reached the Round of 16 before losing narrowly to eventual champions Brazil.

World Cup History

• Confederation: Concacaf
• World Cup appearances: 12
• Best result: Semi-finals (1930)
• Last appearance: Qatar 2022 – Round of 16
• First appearance: Uruguay 1930
• World Cups hosted: 1994, 2026
• All-time World Cup record: 37 matches, 9 wins, 8 draws, 20 losses

The Best World Cup Run

The greatest World Cup campaign in U.S. history came in the inaugural tournament in 1930.

The Americans defeated Belgium and Paraguay 3-0 to reach the semi-finals before losing to Argentina.

The Last World Cup

At Qatar 2022, the United States advanced from a difficult group featuring England, Wales, and Iran without losing a match.

Christian Pulisic’s decisive goal against Iran secured qualification to the knockout stage, where the Americans were eventually eliminated 3-1 by the Netherlands.

Legendary Players

Landon Donovan remains the United States’ all-time leading World Cup scorer with five goals across the 2002, 2006, and 2010 tournaments.

Donovan also holds the national record for most World Cup appearances with 12 matches.

Players to Watch

• Christian Pulisic – Captain and attacking star carrying American hopes.
• Weston McKennie – Dynamic midfielder with leadership and intensity.
• Gio Reyna – Creative playmaker capable of changing games with moments of brilliance.
• Folarin Balogun – Clinical striker expected to lead the front line.

Greatest World Cup Moments

One of the most iconic moments in U.S. soccer history came in 1950, when the Americans shocked England 1-0 in one of the biggest upsets ever seen at a World Cup.

Another unforgettable performance arrived in Brazil 2014, when goalkeeper Tim Howard produced 16 saves against Belgium in the Round of 16, creating one of the most celebrated goalkeeping displays in tournament history.

Biggest World Cup Victory

The United States’ largest World Cup victories remain the back-to-back 3-0 wins over Belgium and Paraguay at Uruguay 1930.

Against Paraguay, Bert Patenaude scored the first hat trick in FIFA World Cup history.

2026 Expectations

With home crowds, elite talent, and a world-renowned coach, the United States enters 2026 aiming to make history on home soil.

UNITED STATES

Goalkeepers

• #1 Matt Turner (New England Revolution, United States)
• #24 Matt Freese (New York City FC, United States)
• #25 Chris Brady (Chicago Fire, United States)

Defenders

• #2 Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands)
• #3 Chris Richards (Crystal Palace, England)
• #5 Miles Robinson (Fulham, England)
• #6 Auston Trusty (Celtic, Scotland)
• #13 Tim Ream (Charlotte FC, United States)
• #16 Alex Freeman (Villarreal, Spain)
• #22 Mark McKenzie (Toulouse, France)
• #23 Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach, Germany)

Midfielders

• #4 Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth, England)
• #7 Giovanni Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach, Germany)
• #8 Weston McKennie (Juventus, Italy)
• #10 Christian Pulisic (AC Milan, Italy)
• #11 Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United, England)
• #14 Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps, Canada)
• #15 Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders, United States)
• #17 Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
• #21 Timothy Weah (Olympique Marseille, France)
• #26 Alejandro Zendejas (Club América, Mexico)

Forwards

• #9 Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands)
• #18 Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew, United States)
• #19 Haji Wright (Coventry City, England)
• #20 Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco, France)

Head Coach

• Mauricio Pochettino (Argentina)