Photo: Alamy
The U.S. Men’s National Team has clinched first place in Group D at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking just the third time in program history that the Americans have won their group at a World Cup.
The American team secured the top spot after Paraguay defeated Türkiye 1-0 on Friday night in San Francisco. Paraguay’s victory eliminated Türkiye from knockout-stage contention and ensured the U.S. would finish atop the group standings.
The USMNT punched its ticket to the knockout round with a dominant 2-0 victory over Australia on June 19. The win improved the Americans to a perfect six points through two matches, the highest point total the team has ever recorded during a World Cup group stage.
“You know, [if] someone said before the tournament two games and you’re through to the knockouts, I think we all would have took it,” striker Folarin Balogun said. “We’re delighted.”
The victory over Australia also marked the eighth World Cup shutout in U.S. men’s national team history and further boosted confidence throughout the squad.
“I think people can see what we’re capable of as a team,” striker Ricardo Pepi said after the match. “Of course, it gives [us] a lot of confidence. It builds team chemistry, and we’re ready for the next game.”
Despite already securing advancement, players and coaches remain focused on finishing the group stage strong. The U.S. will face Türkiye on June 25 in Los Angeles in its final group match before shifting attention to the knockout rounds.
As Group D winners, the United States will travel to the San Francisco Bay Area for its Round of 32 match, where it will face a third-place finisher from another group.
With an unbeaten record, six points and a place in the knockout stage secured, the USMNT enters the next phase of the tournament carrying significant momentum and growing expectations.
