The USA World Cup group opponents will be revealed on Friday as the host nation holds its breath to learn the path to glory… or more so the odds of getting out of the group stage.
The 2026 World Cup draw will take place at noon ET on Friday in Washington D.C.
Here are potential groups (good and bad) the United States men’s national team could be part of for next summer’s tournament.
Quick things to know about the draw.
The United States men’s national team only have four games left to play until the 2026 World Cup. That’s right, there are just four 2026 USMNT friendlies before the Stars and Stripes take on the planet’s best in the World Cup.
U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino will get to test his players against Europe’s elite next year with top European nations on the schedule.
Here’s a look at who the USMNT will face before the World Cup next summer.
2026 USMNT friendlies
Exact dates are still TBA.
Lionel Messi played his final home World Cup qualifier for Argentina on Thursday and dazzled the 85,000+ fans in Buenos Aires with a brace during the 3-0 victory vs. Venezuela. The 38-year-old then caught the attention of fans online with his comments after the game.
When asked about the likelihood of him playing in next summer’s 2026 World Cup and defending Argentina’s world title, Messi said it’s not likely.
Will Messi play in 2026 World Cup?
Lionel Messi is set to play his final World Cup qualifier in Argentina on Thursday, while four South American teams are still competing for the remaining automatic places at the 2026 tournament in what could be a dramatic climax.
The 38-year-old Argentina captain will take to the pitch at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires to face Venezuela in what he describes as a very special match, with his family set to be in attendance, including his wife, children, parents and siblings.
How to watch Messi's last World Cup qualifier in Argentina
MONACO — Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain will play Bayern Munich and Barcelona in this season's league phase while record 15-times winners Real Madrid will face Manchester City and Liverpool after Thursday's draw set up some blockbuster encounters.
PSG will also meet Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United along with Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen in the new league phase format which started last season, where each club plays eight games -- four at home and four on the road.
PSG get hardest UCL schedule this season
Las Vegas is set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, according to an ESPN report on Tuesday.
When is World Cup draw?
Sources told the outlet that the date of the draw would be Friday, Dec. 5 and that Las Vegas was selected over cities in Canada and Mexico. FIFA officials have not confirmed the date or site.
Las Vegas will host the 2026 World Cup draw on Dec. 5, according to ESPN.
UPDATE: Lionel Messi is ABSENT from the updated MLS All-Star roster and WON'T play in Wednesday's game.
Lionel Messi’s absence for the MLS All-Star training day has many fans worried that the Inter Miami star could miss Wednesday’s clash with the Liga MX All-Stars on Wednesday at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.
The fairytale story of “Welcome to Wrexham” has followed the story of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney securing an unprecedented three-straight promotions with Wrexham AFC. In August we’re going to get the polar opposite with a docuseries of NFL icon Tom Brady’s ownership with Birmingham City.
Brady is calling out the Wrexham boys.
Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos knows what it is like to lose a Champions League final and is not going to let a second chance slip without a fight when they face Inter Milan in Munich, the Brazilian defender said on Friday.
Marquinhos was a member of the PSG side which lost the 2020 final to Bayern Munich, but has the opportunity for redemption as the club look to secure their first Champions League trophy on Saturday.
The 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup will serve as a major opportunity for several United States men’s national team players to prove themselves to head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Big stars will miss the tournament including Weston McKennie, Timothy Weah and Gio Reyna due to the Club World Cup. Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson and Yunus Musah will also skip the tournament due to rest.
This presents the chance for several fringe players to make a name for themselves and show why they should be considered for the 2026 World Cup roster.