Story perspectives

U.S. Drawn into Group D, Pulisic Leads Push for Round-of-16

6/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. national team was placed in Group D with Australia, Paraguay and Türkiye for the 2026 World Cup.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino said the squad aims to win the group and reach the round-of-16.
The United States reached 2002 quarter-finals and 1930 semi-finals, better than Mexico’s round-of-16 and Canada’s winless record.
Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun lead the squad.
Christian Pulisic scored in a 3–2 friendly win over Senegal.

History

Historical Context

In June-July 1994 the United States hosted the 15th FIFA World Cup, drawing a record 3,587,538 spectators and delivering the first final decided by penalties, when Brazil beat Italy. That breakthrough raised soccer’s domestic profile and set the stage for today’s Group D draw, which again pits the U.S. against Australia, Paraguay and Türkiye as it seeks another round-of-16 appearance.

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Story summary

The U.S. national team was placed in Group D with Australia, Paraguay and Türkiye for the 2026 World Cup.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino said the squad aims to win the group and reach the round-of-16.
The United States reached 2002 quarter-finals and 1930 semi-finals, better than Mexico’s round-of-16 and Canada’s winless record.
Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun lead the squad.
Christian Pulisic scored in a 3–2 friendly win over Senegal.

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