The FIFA 2026 World Cup, which for the first time will feature 48 national teams, will begin on June 11 with its opening match at Mexico City Stadium, and the new champion will be crowned on July 19. The United States is among the qualified teams.
The USMNT is one of the host nations, thus securing its place in the World Cup. It will be its 12th appearance, and the team will look to surpass its 1994 performance, when it hosted and reached the round of 16.
Who Are the 3 Host Nations of the 2026 World Cup?
Alongside the U.S., Mexico is another host and will take part in the World Cup. It will be its 18th World Cup (it has not missed one since Italy 1990), and the main goal will be to get past the quarterfinal stage, which it reached in 1970 and 1986, when it also hosted.
Canada is the third host nation and will be making its third World Cup appearance, its second consecutive.
The USMNT's Path to the World Cup
The United States national team already knows its path to the 2026 World Cup following the draw held on Dec. 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
With Christian Pulisic as the star and Mauricio Pochettino on the sideline, the U.S. squad aims for a deep run while playing at home as co-host alongside Canada and Mexico.
At the time of the draw, the United States ranked 14th in the FIFA rankings and was placed in Pot 1, avoiding several powerhouses in the group stage. However, it will have to wait for the UEFA playoffs during the March FIFA international window to learn its final opponent, which will come from among Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo.
Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images
United States Group Stage Schedule for the 2026 World Cup
- June 12: United States vs. Paraguay (Los Angeles Stadium)
- June 19: United States vs. Australia (Seattle Stadium)
- June 25: UEFA Playoff C Winner vs. United States (Los Angeles Stadium)
The United States secured its place as co-host alongside Canada and Mexico, earning automatic qualification and a spot in Pot 1, which allowed it to avoid facing elite nations in the group stage.
Unlike Canada and Mexico, which would have to leave their home territory if they advance beyond the round of 32, the United States will play its entire World Cup journey at home. The path will vary depending on its position in Group D.
Note: Due to FIFA regulations that prohibit commercial names at venues during the event, most the 16 host stadiums will be temporarily renamed.
If the United States finishes first in Group D:
- Round of 32: San Francisco Stadium
- Round of 16: Seattle Stadium
- Quarterfinal: Los Angeles Stadium
- Semifinal: Dallas Stadium
- Final: New York/New Jersey Stadium
If it finishes second in Group D:
- Round of 32: Dallas Stadium
- Round of 16: Atlanta Stadium
- Quarterfinal: Kansas City Stadium
- Semifinal: Atlanta Stadium
- Final: New York/New Jersey Stadium
If it advances as third in Group D:
- Round of 32: Boston Stadium, New York/New Jersey Stadium, or Kansas City Stadium
- Round of 16: To be determined
- Quarterfinal: To be determined
- Semifinal: Dallas Stadium or Atlanta Stadium
- Final: New York/New Jersey Stadium
