Nightmare 2026 World Cup Group Draw Could Shatter USMNT Dreams

The U.S. men's national soccer team anxiously anticipates the December 5, 2026 World Cup group stage draw to discover its destiny for the upcoming summer tournament. While numerous scenarios are possible, the draw could create a catastrophic situation for Mauricio Pochettino's squad.

The USMNT concluded its 2025 campaign with a spectacular performance in a commanding 5–1 triumph over Uruguay. This result capped off an impressive streak of five consecutive undefeated matches to end the year. Following the October international window, Pochettino has maximized his team's potential while still missing several crucial players who will undoubtedly play vital roles in the summer World Cup.

Nevertheless, the positive energy generated in recent months could be shattered if the group stage draw proves unfavorable for the Stars and Stripes. While the USMNT will sidestep many top contenders due to its automatic placement in pot 1, there remain other formidable teams that could potentially share a group with Pochettino's squad.

The USMNT already understands when and where it will compete as the leading seed in Group D. The sole remaining question is their opposition and, should the worst-case scenario unfold, Mauricio Pochettino's team could face the dreaded "Group of Death."

Here's the most challenging possible result for the USMNT in the forthcoming World Cup group stage draw.

Potential USMNT Group of Death in 2026 World Cup

*Not qualified yet.

The USMNT might face the breakout squad from the latest World Cup: Morocco. The Atlas Lions became the inaugural African team to reach the World Cup semifinals in 2022 and remain the continent's highest-ranked nation globally (11). Morocco dominated their World Cup qualifying campaign and has secured victory in 25 of their past 27 matches, suffering only two defeats in regulation time since early 2024.

Furthermore, a unified, well-organized roster filled with veteran experience could receive reinforcement from the emerging talent that recently captured the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Since the USMNT represents Concacaf, it could theoretically encounter two European adversaries in group play.

Norway emerges in pot 3 as a squad every country will hope to dodge. Despite lacking historical international dominance, Ståle Solbakken possesses players like Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard, Alexander Sørloth and Oscar Bobb, who can dismantle any defensive structure.

The Scandinavian team has triumphed in 12 of their previous 13 contests and remains undefeated since October 2024. Considering the talent at their command, Norway would present a challenging opponent for the USMNT.

As an additional complication, the Stars and Stripes might witness Italy potentially entering their group as the pot 4 selection. The four-time champions have yet to secure their spot in next summer's competition, but should they prevail in their playoff, there's a genuine possibility they could join Pochettino's team in Group D.

Certainly, the Azzurri have experienced superior periods, but they still possess several elite talents, have claimed victory in six of their last seven matches and carry undeniable World Cup pedigree that typically influences tournament outcomes.

Without question, if the USMNT receives this particular group draw, their morale would suffer and their 2026 World Cup journey could end after merely three matches.

Other Difficult Potential World Cup Group Stage Opponents for USMNT