There is nothing to suggest a clear frontrunner in Group D at the 2026 World Cup, with all four nations harbouring hopes of advancing.

The USA will naturally carry the tag of section favourites, given home advantage and the presence of Mauricio Pochettino in the dugout.

Turkey, though, may well have something to say about that. The Crescent Stars tend to arrive at major tournaments under the dark horse label, a status they lived up to at Euro 2024 when reaching the quarter-finals.

Elsewhere, Paraguay and Australia look set to scrap it out for third place, with both likely setting their sights on progressing as one of the best runners-up. That said, the pair are more than capable of giving Turkey and the USA a bloody nose in what should be an intriguing section.

Group D Preview

There is nothing to suggest a clear frontrunner in Group D at the 2026 World Cup, with all four nations harbouring hopes of advancing. 

The USA will naturally carry the tag of section favourites, given home advantage and the presence of Mauricio Pochettino in the dugout.

Turkey, though, may well have something to say about that. The Crescent Stars tend to arrive at major tournaments under the dark horse label, a status they lived up to at Euro 2024 by reaching the quarter-finals.

Elsewhere, Paraguay and Australia look set to scrap it out for 3rd place, with both likely setting their sights on progressing as one of the best runners-up. That said, the pair are more than capable of giving Turkey and the USA a bloody nose in what should be an intriguing section.

More Group Previews

🇺🇸 USA

The USA secured their spot at the finals by virtue of being one of the co-hosts. They have been regulars on the World Cup stage for a number of decades now, featuring in eight of the last nine editions. Notably, the USA have progressed from the group stage in each of their last three appearances.

After pulling something of a coup in bringing in Mauricio Pochettino as manager in September 2024 to replace Gregg Berhalter, anything short of progressing from Group D will be deemed as a failure. 

While home advantage is often seen as a benefit, it also brings added pressure and expectation, with much of the USA’s hopes likely to rest on how they handle it. If Pochettino’s side can take maximum points from their opening two matches against Paraguay and Australia, it could set up a potential group decider against Turkey in Los Angeles.

Read full analysis.

🇵🇾 Paraguay

Paraguay booked their place at their first World Cup since 2010 by finishing 6th in CONMEBOL qualifying. Notable home wins over Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay played a major role in securing their spot at this year’s tournament.

While those triumphs underline Gustavo Alfaro’s side as a team capable of troubling anyone on their day, their away form told a different story, with just one win from nine matches on the road during qualifying. Their chances may, therefore, hinge on how quickly they adapt to unfamiliar surroundings.

Paraguay’s success was built on a rock-solid defensive foundation, conceding just 10 goals across their 18 qualifiers - the same total as section winners and reigning world champions Argentina. That defensive solidity should serve them well in tournament football and could prove crucial in their bid to find a route out of Group D.

Read full analysis.

🇦🇺 Australia

Appointed in September 2024 following Graham Arnold’s departure, Tony Popovic led Australia to the 2026 World Cup by finishing 2nd in their AFC third round qualifying group. In doing so, the Socceroos extended their sequence of consecutive World Cup appearances to an eye-catching six. 

Popovic’s arrival appears to have brought greater defensive organisation to Australia, who are unlikely to be overwhelmed by any of their Group D opponents. 

That was certainly the case four years ago in Qatar, when the Aussies picked up impressive group wins over Tunisia and Denmark to take 2nd spot behind France, so they are unlikely to be fazed by what lies ahead this summer.

Read full analysis.

🇹🇷 Turkey

Turkey will make a welcome return to the World Cup for the first time since 2002 this summer. Finishing 2nd to Spain in their qualifying campaign was no disgrace, and Vincenzo Montella’s side then overcame Romania and Kosovo in the play-offs to secure their place at the finals. 

They famously enjoyed a fairytale run to the semi-finals when they last featured on the World Cup stage back in 2002, ultimately going on to win the 3rd-place play-off. Replicating those exploits may be a step too far this time around, but they are certainly capable of a deep run, particularly with the likes of Arda Guler and Hakan Calhanoglu in their ranks.

Read full analysis.

🔮 What is Andy's Bet Club and how does it work for World Cup 2026 tips?

Keep up with Andy's Tips, including World Cup Predictions and World Cup 2026 Free Bet Offers, on Andy's Bet Club.

There will be daily free football tips available, as well as football predictions, Bet Builder stats and Accumulator stats.

For World Cup outright betting, check out our World Cup Players to Watch Tips, World Cup Golden Boot Tips and World Cup Outright Winner Tips.

Team Previews

Best Free Bets, Offers & Betting Sites for World Cup 2026

The World Cup is the best time to create a new bookmaker account because the Bookmaker Offers are much better. Andy and the Andy's Bet Club experts have tried and tested the Free Bets and here's their favourites:

bet365 World Cup Free Bets

Paddy Power World Cup Free Bets

Betfair World Cup Free Bets

Sky Bet World Cup Free Bets

Betfred World Cup Free Bets

Boylesports World Cup Free Bets

* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.