Every step of the USMNT’s potential route to the World Cup 2026 final

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Hosting the World Cup for the first time since 1994, the United States men’s national team will hope that home advantage helps fuel a memorable run this summer.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side know their group-stage opponents, but their potential route through the knockout rounds could feature several of the world’s elite teams.

We have mapped out the USMNT’s projected path to the 2026 World Cup final, depending on where they finish in Group D.

USA as Group D winners

If the USMNT wins Group D, they would likely face a third-placed side in San Francisco before a potential showdown with Belgium in the last 16.

Spain are their projected quarter-final opponents, while France or Germany could await in Dallas if Pochettino’s side reach the semi-finals.

England and Brazil, two of the best teams on the opposite side of the bracket, could make the final at MetLife Stadium.

USA as Group D runners-up

Should the United States finish second in Group D, the path becomes significantly tougher.

A likely round-of-32 clash with Belgium could be followed by Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the last 16 and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the quarter-final.

England or Brazil could then stand in the USA’s way of a showdown against either of the two favourites, Spain or France.

USA as Group D’s third-placed team

If the United States progress as one of the best third-placed teams, they would face an almost impossible route to the final.

They could face Germany in the round of 32, followed by France in the last 16 and the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.

Spain could then await in the semi-finals, before a potential showdown with either England or Brazil if they miraculously made it to the final.

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