Group D at the 2026 World Cup could prove to be one of the more unpredictable sections of the tournament, with the United States, Paraguay, Australia and Turkey all believing they have a realistic shot at reaching the knockout rounds.
There is pressure on the hosts to deliver in front of home support, but with Paraguay capable of an upset, Turkey carrying plenty of attacking quality and Australia's consistent apperance in tournaments, this group may not be as straightforward as it first appears.
Below, MrFixitsTips takes a look at Group D in full, including fixtures, odds and predictions.
Which teams are in Group D of the 2026 World Cup?
United States
There is always enormous expectation surrounding the United States at home tournaments, and with Mauricio Pochettino now in charge, belief around the national team has risen significantly over the past year.
The Americans qualified as hosts and have assembled arguably their most technically gifted squad in modern history. Christian Pulisic continues to lead from the front, while players such as Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna and Folarin Balogun provide genuine quality in attacking areas.
However, the United States have shown on several occasions that they find it difficult against strong opponents, as evident in their recent losses to Portugal and Belgium.
Playing on home soil should still give them an edge in Group D, but they may not have things entirely their own way.
Paraguay
Paraguay are quietly becoming one of the more awkward teams to face in international football, and they could easily emerge as the surprise package in this group, given how they navigated the qualifiers, picking up results against some of the continent's heavyweightrs.
Under Gustavo Alfaro, Paraguay have rediscovered the defensive resilience that made them so difficult to beat during previous successful eras, keeping clean sheets in 10 of their 18 qualifying games.
Paraguay's biggest challenge in the group is expected to come against Turkey, while they have to survive the home crowd against the United States.
Australia
Australia reached the round of 16 in Qatar and will be looking to at least match that feat, if not surpass this time.
Tony Popovic's side are extremely well organised defensively and possess the physicality and discipline required to frustrate more technically gifted opponents. While they may lack star power compared to the other teams in Group D, they compensate with structure and work rate.
The Socceroos also carry valuable tournament experience, having reached the knockout rounds in Qatar four years ago before narrowly losing to eventual champions Argentina.
Australia may once again prove difficult to break down, and they are more than capable of taking points from at least one of the group favourites.
Turkey
Turkey arrive at the World Cup with plenty of excitement surrounding their squad, as this current generation is regarded as one of the nation's strongest in recent memory.
Vincenzo Montella has encouraged a far more progressive style of football since taking charge, and with players such as Arda Guler, Kenan Yildiz and Hakan Calhanoglu available, Turkey possess enough attacking quality to trouble anyone in Group D.
Their issue, however, has often been unexpected collapses, as they may look consistently good for a period, before suddenly becoming vulnerable defensively, something stronger sides are quick to exploit – such as Spain in September's 6-0 thumping.
Even so, the talent within the squad should be enough to see them challenge strongly for top spot, and they could ultimately prove more dangerous than the bookmakers expect.
2026 World Cup Group D group winners and qualification predictions
Group D winner odds
- United States – 13/10
- Turkey – 7/4
- Paraguay – 7/2
- Australia – 9/1
2026 World Cup Group D qualification odds
- United States – 1/10
- Turkey – 2/9
- Paraguay – 2/5
- Australia – 1/1
The bookmakers expect the United States and Turkey to reach the knockout rounds, but Paraguay are very much in the mix and could easily disrupt the market expectations.
Australia, meanwhile, have once again been cast as outsiders, something they have become used to at major tournaments.
2026 World Cup Group D fixtures and odds
Matchday 1
United States vs Paraguay
- United States: 1/1
- Draw: 5/2
- Paraguay: 27/10
Australia vs Turkey
- Australia: 17/5
- Draw: 5/2
- Turkey: 5/6
Matchday 2
United States vs Australia
- United States: TBC
- Draw: TBC
- Australia: TBC
Turkey vs Paraguay
- Turkey: TBC
- Draw: TBC
- Paraguay: TBC
Matchday 3
Turkey vs United States
- Turkey: TBC
- Draw: TBC
- United States: TBC
Paraguay vs Australia
- Paraguay: TBC
- Draw: TBC
- Australia: TBC
Note: All above odds were correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
The United States are favourites to top Group D at 13/10, although there are still lingering doubts over whether Mauricio Pochettino's side can consistently perform under pressure against well-organised opposition.
Turkey are viewed as their biggest challengers, while Paraguay are being slightly overlooked despite enjoying an impressive rise over the past two years.
If you are planning to follow the tournament from a betting perspective, then be sure to also check out our guide to the best World Cup betting apps ahead of kickoff.
Predicted finishing order
- United States
- Turkey
- Paraguay
- Australia
Group D best bets
Group D looks far tighter than several of the other World Cup groups, which could create value in the match-by-match markets throughout the tournament.
Paraguay to qualify at 7/2 could appeal at odds-against prices, while 1st USA, 2nd Paraguay odds at 9/2 is also good value.
Cole is a passionate sports writer with a love for storytelling. He covers global sporting events with a focus on insight, accuracy, and engaging analysis. Known for his clear writing style and balanced opinions, Cole brings every headline to life for readers.
GambleAware