USMNT's Battle History: How They Stack Up Against Their 2026 World Cup Group Rivals
Prior to the U.S. men's national squad entertaining thoughts of World Cup success on American territory, they must first navigate their way through Group D, where they'll encounter several well-known adversaries.
As host country, the Stars and Stripes were automatically placed into Group D during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw ceremony held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The USMNT anxiously awaited the revelation of their initial three competitors for next summer's competition and undoubtedly breathed easier once the draw was complete.
Mauricio Pochettino's squad was paired with Australia from Pot 2 and Paraguay from Pot 3. The USMNT's fourth adversary will be determined by the victor of Playoff C—Turkey, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo.
The Stars and Stripes not only escaped facing teams like Croatia, Egypt and possibly Italy, but they were also matched against nations they're familiar with; remarkably, the USMNT recently faced Paraguay and Australia during their last two international breaks.
Examine the USMNT's historical matchup records against their group stage rivals for the 2026 World Cup.
USMNT vs. Paraguay: Full Head-to-Head History
Most recent encounter: USMNT 2–1 Paraguay (Nov. 15, 2025) – International friendly
The USMNT secured a hard-fought 2–1 triumph over Paraguay to kick off the November international window. Gio Reyna scored just four minutes into the match before Álex Arce netted an equalizer in the 10th minute.
Folarin Balogun ultimately delivered the decisive goal for Pochettino's team to maintain the Stars and Stripes' undefeated streak at four games. The contest concluded in mayhem, however, with both benches emptying during a melee.
Emotions will certainly run high when these two teams meet on football's grandest platform next summer.
USMNT vs. Australia: Full Head-to-Head History
Most recent encounter: USMNT 2–1 Australia (Oct. 14, 2025) – International friendly
The USMNT battled Australia to conclude the October international window. Pochettino's team fell behind early at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, but mounted a comeback courtesy of a double from Haji Wright.
The prior meeting between these nations occurred in 2010, when the U.S. triumphed over Australia 3–1 in an international friendly. Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey both started, but it was Edson Buddle who scored twice, while Herculez Gomez clinched the victory with an injury time strike.
The Stars and Stripes' sole defeat to Australia happened in 1992.
USMNT vs. Turkey: Full Head-to-Head History
Most recent encounter: USMNT 1–2 Turkey (June 7, 2025) – International friendly
If Turkey emerges victorious from Playoff C and claims the final spot in Group D, they will meet the USMNT one year following their previous encounter in an international friendly on American soil.
Jack McGlynn put the Stars and Stripes ahead within 60 seconds, but the remainder of the match went poorly for the Americans. Before the 30-minute mark, Turkey had already netted two goals and maintained control until the final whistle.
Before this loss, the USMNT had beaten the UEFA nation in 2010 and 2014.
USMNT vs. Romania: Full Head-to-Head History
Most recent encounter: USMNT 0–1 Romania (June 26, 1994) – 1994 FIFA World Cup
Should the USMNT face Romania, these two countries will meet for the first time in 32 years. The U.S. and Romania were both placed in Group A at the 1994 World Cup, where the visitors secured all three points that helped them eventually win the group.
The Stars and Stripes will seek revenge next summer.
USMNT vs. Slovakia: Full Head-to-Head History
Most recent encounter: Slovakia 1–0 Brazil (Nov. 14, 2009) – International friendly
The USMNT and Slovakia have met just once, dating back to 2009. The Stars and Stripes were unable to score in that international friendly and haven't had another opportunity to secure their maiden victory against the European side.
Theoretically, Pochettino's squad holds the advantage in a possible World Cup encounter. Slovakia ranks 45th in FIFA standings while the USMNT sits at 14th position.
USMNT vs. Kosovo: Full Head-to-Head History
The USMNT and Kosovo have never competed against each other. Should Kosovo prevail in UEFA playoff C, they will meet the U.S. for the inaugural time in their histories.