Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, we go through every group in the expanded 48-country field and examine the teams, highlight the most recent odds, and make predictions.
The USA leads what is expected to be one of the most closely fought and unpredictable groups in the tournament. The co-hosts enter as the slight favorites, but Türkiye and Paraguay are both capable of spoiling the home crowd’s fun and winning the group. Australia, meanwhile, could surprise as a dark horse for qualification if any of the other stumble.
The USA is facing serious expectations heading into its home World Cup, not just because of its status as a co-host, but also because it has one of its most talented teams. Unfortunately, that talent didn’t shine through in the build-up to the World Cup, with the USA losing 5-2 to Belgium and 2-0 to Portugal. It was a reality check for Mauricio Pochettino, but the coach has the tactical background to get his team back on track.
Speaking of getting back on track, the USA needs talismanic winger Christian Pulisic to regain his form if the team is to succeed at the tournament. Easily USA’s best player, Pulisic hasn’t scored for AC Milan since December, and a goal against Senegal in a May friendly was his first for USA since November 2024. Folarin Balogun could help ease the pressure, with 18 goals for Monaco this season. The USA will need its attack to be firing on all cylinders, as its defense leaves a lot to be desired.
| To Win Group | To Qualify For RO32 | To Win World Cup |
| +130 | -1000 | +4000 |
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Turkiye will be the USA’s main competition in Group D, according to the best World Cup betting sites, as it makes its first World Cup appearance since a storybook run to the semi-finals in 2002. Turkiye won six out of eight games on its way to booking a World Cup spot. A 6-0 destruction at the hands of Spain was a major blip, but they won’t be the last team to get embarrassed by the World Cup favorites. Turkiye progressed through the playoffs confidently, though a lack of goals was a concern.
While Turkiye lacks genuine goal scorers, they aren’t short of midfield creativity. Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız, both just 21 years old, drive the center of Türkiye’s team. Güler has been a regular for Real Madrid this season and leads the team in assists. Meanwhile, Yıldız is the main goal threat coming off the left wing, having led Juventus in goals with 10. If Turkey’s two young stars catch fire at the World Cup, they might upset the USA’s party.
| To Win Group | To Qualify For RO32 | To Win World Cup |
| +175 | -450 | +6600 |
Paraguay is a classic defense-first team, relying on an experienced backline and manager Gustavo Alfaro’s organizational skills to win games. Paraguay claimed the final CONMEBOL qualification spot, doing so by conceding just 10 goals. They also earned wins over Brazil and Argentina in the process. On the flip side, Paraguay has one of the least potent attacks. They scored just 14 times in qualifying and will need to bolster their threat in front of goal to challenge the USA and Turkiye.
As mentioned, Paraguay relies on the center-back duo of Omar Alderete and Gustavo Gómez. Meanwhile, Miguel Almiron is the star player for the midfield, capable of taking on defenders and creating chances. Julio Enciso will also need to tap his creativity if Paraguay is to score the goals needed to advance. Target man Antonio Sanabria will be tasked with doing that, and if he can find his form, Paraguay is a genuine threat to top the group.
| To Win Group | To Qualify For RO32 | To Win World Cup |
| +350 | -250 | +15000 |
Australia qualified for its sixth straight World Cup with ease, finishing behind only Japan in its group. Things are going to get a lot tougher for Australia, which is easily the weakest team in a group that has three other sides capable of winning it. Australia should be defensively sound, especially with Harry Souttar seemingly healthy after an Achilles injury. Captain Mathew Ryan is also a highly experienced goalkeeper.
But the questions come at the top of the pitch. Australia should get some attacking flair from the likes of Nestory Irankunda, who boasts good pace and finishing skills. He’s paired with left wing-back Jordan Bos, whose ability to push forward is crucial to Australia’s setup. But still, Australia might not have the firepower to compete with the other teams in the group.
| To Win Group | To Qualify For RO32 | To Win World Cup |
| +900 | +100 | +50000 |
The USA is facing immense expectations to perform on home soil, and we see a tough fight for the co-hosts that they’ll eventually win. Pochettino is a top-class manager, and the USA is the most talented team in the group. They do have some significant travel distance to deal with, but they’re acclimated to the conditions. It might not be pretty, but the USA should prevail.
Türkiye will push the USA all the way, and it wouldn’t be a shock if they topped the group. It might be the tightest contest in the whole tournament, especially if Türkiye’s star youngsters continue their club form. Paraguay is widely expected to be among the top contenders for third-place qualification, but for us, their issues in front of goal will cause them to miss out.
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Odds are courtesy of BetMGM and accurate at the time of writing.
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