Anticipation is building. Nerves are creeping in. The USMNT head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with significant pressure on their shoulders.
The U.S. men’s national team are one of three host nations for the bumper 48-team tournament alongside neighbors Canada and Mexico, with the bulk of next summer’s action taking place within America.
With Mauricio Pochettino at the helm and Christian Pulisic leading the charge on the field, expectations are lofty. The USMNT, FIFA’s 14th-ranked nation, will be desperate for Lady Luck to offer them a favorable group during the draw on Dec. 5 to help ease their minds.
Based on the World Cup pot projections and excluding playoff sides, here is the USMNT’s easiest and toughest potential groups for the tournament.
