FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D: Schedule, Standings & Prediction
Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a historic return for the United States, who will play World Cup matches on home soil for the first time since 1994. The group features the USA alongside Paraguay, Australia, and a UEFA playoff winner to be decided in March 2026.
With matches spread across Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver, and Santa Clara, Group D offers the Americans a favorable path to the knockout rounds backed by massive home support. Paraguay returns after a long absence, Australia brings consistency and tournament grit, while the final European entrant adds late uncertainty.
Under the expanded 48-team format, the top two teams advance automatically to the Round of 32. The eight best third-place teams across all groups also qualify, increasing the importance of every point and goal.
Group D Match Schedule and Fixtures
All match times are listed in Eastern Time (ET).
Group D Match Schedule
| Date | Match | Time (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 12, 2026 | United States vs Paraguay | 9:00 PM | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles |
| June 13, 2026 | Australia vs UEFA Playoff Winner | 12:00 AM | BC Place, Vancouver |
| June 19, 2026 | UEFA Playoff Winner vs Paraguay | 12:00 AM | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara |
| June 19, 2026 | United States vs Australia | 3:00 PM | Lumen Field, Seattle |
| June 25, 2026 | United States vs UEFA Playoff Winner | 10:00 PM | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles |
| June 25, 2026 | Paraguay vs Australia | 10:00 PM | Lumen Field, Seattle |
The United States plays two matches at SoFi Stadium and one in Seattle, creating a strong home-field advantage. Australia opens in Canada before moving to the U.S. West Coast, while Paraguay plays all matches in different venues.
Group D Standings and Qualification Rules
Current Group D Standings
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Draw | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 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 Winner | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Qualification Rules
The top two teams advance directly to the Round of 32. In addition, the eight best third-place teams across all groups also qualify.
Teams earn three points for a win, one for a draw, and zero for a loss.
Tiebreaker Rules
If teams are level on points, standings are decided by:
Head-to-head points Head-to-head goal difference Head-to-head goals scored Overall goal difference Overall goals scored Fair play points FIFA World Ranking
Group D Team Analysis, Preview and History
United States
The United States enters its 12th World Cup with automatic qualification as a co-host. This is the first time the Americans will play World Cup matches at home since 1994, when the tournament helped ignite the growth of soccer in the country.
The USA’s best-ever finish came in 1930 with a third-place result. In modern tournaments, their standout performance was the 2002 World Cup, where they reached the quarterfinals. More recently, the Americans advanced to the Round of 16 in 2022 before losing to the Netherlands.
Led by a core of European-based players, the USA benefits from home crowds in Los Angeles and Seattle. Recent results against Paraguay and a favorable schedule position them as clear group favorites.
Strengths include athleticism, depth, and home support. Weaknesses remain consistency in finishing and defensive concentration against counterattacks.
Paraguay
Paraguay returns to the World Cup after missing the previous three tournaments. Despite finishing mid-table in South American qualifying, they recorded notable wins against Brazil and Argentina, highlighting their defensive resilience.
Paraguay’s best World Cup finish came in 2010, when they reached the quarterfinals and lost narrowly to eventual champions Spain. Historically, they are difficult to break down but often struggle to score consistently.
Strengths include defensive organization and counterattacking speed. Limited World Cup experience across the squad could be a challenge.
Australia
Australia makes its seventh World Cup appearance and sixth consecutive tournament since 2006. The Socceroos have reached the Round of 16 twice and are known for disciplined defending and physical play.
Australia’s 2022 campaign included wins over Tunisia and Denmark, earning a place in the knockout rounds before a narrow loss to Argentina. The team rarely dominates possession but remains effective from set pieces and transitions.
Strengths include tournament experience and resilience. Weaknesses include limited attacking creativity against deep defenses.
UEFA Playoff Winner
The final Group D team will be decided through UEFA Playoff Path C in March 2026. Turkey, Slovakia, Romania, and Kosovo are competing for the spot.
Turkey stands out historically with a third-place finish in 2002. Slovakia and Romania bring prior World Cup experience, while Kosovo would be making its tournament debut. The playoff winner will have minimal preparation time before the group stage begins.
Group D Match Predictions
Matchday 1
United States vs Paraguay: United States 2–1 Australia vs UEFA Playoff Winner: 1–1
Matchday 2
UEFA Playoff Winner vs Paraguay: Paraguay 1–0 United States vs Australia: United States 2–1
Matchday 3
United States vs UEFA Playoff Winner: United States 3–0 Paraguay vs Australia: Australia 2–1
Final Predicted Group D Standings
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Draw | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 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 | UEFA Playoff Winner | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 1 |
Under this projection, the United States and Australia advance automatically, while Paraguay remains in contention as a possible best third-place qualifier.
Key Factors and Matches to Watch
The United States opening match at SoFi Stadium sets the tone for the group. The USA vs Australia match on June 19 is likely to decide first place. Home crowds provide a significant advantage for the Americans. The identity of the UEFA playoff winner affects tactical preparation. Goal difference may play a decisive role for third-place qualification.
Group D FAQs
When does Group D play?
Group D matches run from June 12 to June 25, 2026.
Which teams are in Group D?
The United States, Paraguay, Australia, and a UEFA playoff winner determined in March 2026.
How many teams advance from Group D?
The top two teams advance automatically, with a possible third team advancing as a best third-place finisher.
Where are Group D matches played?
Matches take place at SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles), Lumen Field (Seattle), BC Place (Vancouver), and Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara).
Who is favored to win Group D?
The United States is favored due to home advantage and squad depth.
Has the USA played Australia at a World Cup?
No. The two teams have never met at a World Cup finals tournament.
