Pochettino also discussed how his firm stance has impacted the USMNT players.

United States lucks out in World Cup draw, getting Australia and Paraguay in Group D.

Mauricio Pochettino learned his first ever World Cup group opponents as a coach on Friday when the World Cup draw takes center stage in Washington, D.C. and he will be very happy with it.

The top seed in Group D, the Americans welcomed Australia and Paraguay — manageable foes that they defeated in home friendlies this fall — and the winner of a March playoff between Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia and Kosovo.

The U.S. men's national team will face Australia, Paraguay and a European playoff winner in the group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The USMNT will play Australia and Paraguay in Group D, as well as third opponent from Europe that will be determined in March

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D odds list the Americans as heavy favorites to win their group and advance to the Round of 32.

Christian Pulisic will look to lead the USMNT in one of the friendlier groups at the tournament.

Jesse Marsch will lead Canada at the 2026 World Cup that will be played on their home soil. A lot will depend on who will qualify in the last spot of the group. If Italy do, things will be much more difficult for Canada.