Alex MacQuoid
For the first time in 32 years, the FIFA World Cup is back on American soil — and the USMNT isn’t just hosting the party. Under manager Mauricio Pochettino, this generation of American players is targeting a deep run on home turf, backed by arguably the most talented squad the United States has ever assembled. The stage is set. The schedule is confirmed. Here is everything you need to know.
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USA’s Opening Match
The USMNT opens their 2026 World Cup campaign on Friday, June 12, against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with kick-off at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM local PT.
This fixture is more than a group-stage opener — it is the moment the United States officially begins its tournament on home soil. With world-class talent like Christian Pulisic facing off against Miguel Almirón, and a stadium packed with tens of thousands of fans, the match promises to be an electric start to the USA’s World Cup ambitions. Paraguay’s compact defensive block will test the USMNT’s attacking creativity early, but with the crowd behind them, Pochettino’s side will be expected to control the tempo.
USA’s Full Group D Schedule
The United States will play every group-stage match on home soil — opening in Los Angeles on June 12, moving to Seattle on June 19, and returning to Los Angeles for the group-stage finale on June 25.
Match 1: USA vs Paraguay
- Date: Friday, 12 June 2026
- Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood/Los Angeles
- Kick-off: 9:00 PM ET | 6:00 PM PT local
- Note: Paraguay ended a 16-year World Cup absence to qualify for 2026 and bring a physical, defensively-organised side. Their compact shape could test American patience early on, but home support gives the USMNT a significant edge.
Match 2: USA vs Australia
- Date: Thursday, 19 June 2026
- Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle
- Kick-off: 3:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM PT local
- Note: (Correction: the original article listed this as 17:00 ET — the confirmed kick-off is 15:00 ET.) Australia’s high-pressing, physically demanding style will test the USMNT’s defensive shape and transitional speed. Seattle’s famously loud atmosphere could be a factor either way.
Match 3: UEFA Playoff C Winner vs USA
(Playoff C involves: Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo — confirmed by end of March 2026)
- Date: Thursday, 25 June 2026
- Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood/Los Angeles
- Kick-off: 10:00 PM ET | 7:00 PM PT local
- Note: The return to LA for the group finale maximises home support for what could be a decisive game. Depending on standings, this could be a must-win or a chance to lock in first place.
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Tournament Format: What’s New
In 2026, the FIFA World Cup expanded to 48 teams across 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, plus the eight best third-place finishers, advance to the new Round of 32 — a knockout stage that did not exist in previous editions. For the USMNT, this means the margin for a small slip-up is slightly more forgiving than in past tournaments, but the road to the final is now longer.
The Squad: Who to Watch
Mauricio Pochettino leads the USMNT into this tournament having compiled an 8W-2L-2D record in the final 12 matches of 2025, including a dominant 5-1 rout of Uruguay. The squad is built around a core of players performing at the highest level of European club football.
With 82 caps, Christian Pulisic is the most experienced player on the roster — the captain, creative engine, and primary goal threat. After a strong start to the AC Milan season, injuries have hampered his momentum in 2026, and Pochettino has publicly challenged him to arrive in peak condition for the tournament.
Weston McKennie is enjoying what many are calling a career-best season at Juventus, becoming just the third midfielder in Champions League history to reach 10 goals for the club. Alongside him, Tyler Adams at Bournemouth and a deep forward line including Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Tim Weah, and Patrick Agyemang give Pochettino genuine options across all attacking positions.
The final 26-man World Cup roster is scheduled to be announced on May 26.
Venues Breakdown
SoFi Stadium — Inglewood, Los Angeles hosts Matches 1 and 3. One of the most modern and expensive stadiums ever built, its translucent roof allows for climate control while maintaining an open-air feel, and noise levels are expected to be deafening. Worth noting: Los Angeles has a massive Latin American population, meaning Paraguay in particular will likely enjoy significant vocal support in the stands — creating a vibrant, split atmosphere that the USMNT will need to manage carefully.
Lumen Field — Seattle hosts Match 2 against Australia. A legendary venue in American sport, its steep, enclosed stands create a wall of noise that has rattled visiting teams for decades. Seattle’s passionate and vocal fanbase will give the USMNT a true home-crowd advantage — and against an Australian side that thrives on momentum, that atmosphere could prove to be a decisive factor on the day.
How to Watch in the USA
English-language: The FOX family of networks is the complete home for World Cup coverage in English, including live matches, highlights, commentary, and full-match replays. FOX carries the bulk of matches, with FS1 handling an additional 34 games.
Spanish-language: All 104 matches are available via Telemundo (92 games) and Universo (12 games), with full streaming on Peacock en Español.
Free streaming — don’t miss this: Tubi will simulcast the USA vs Paraguay opener in 4K for free — making it the first World Cup match ever available in free 4K streaming in the US. No subscription required.
All matches streaming: The FOX Sports app provides full match coverage with a TV provider login. Peacock covers Spanish-language streams and additional content.
How to Buy Tickets
Official FIFA / On Location Portal — the primary route. Create a FIFA ID and enter ballots for USMNT group matches. Allocation is randomized due to high demand for all three LA and Seattle fixtures.
Secondary Market — platforms like SeatGeek and AXS Marketplace list resale tickets. Prices vary significantly depending on match and seat category. Always use verified sellers with buyer guarantees.
Hospitality Packages — FIFA’s official hospitality partners offer premium experiences combining top-tier seating, catering, and exclusive access, particularly for the high-profile SoFi opener.
Final Thoughts
The USMNT enters the 2026 World Cup with its strongest squad in history, a favorable group draw, and the entire weight of a nation’s expectation on its shoulders. The USA has reached the knockout stage in each of its last three World Cup appearances, but a home tournament demands more — and Pochettino has made clear that the objective is to set a new benchmark for American soccer. With all three group games on home soil and genuine quality throughout the squad, the foundation is there. Whether they can convert it into a historic run starts June 12 in Los Angeles.