Group D Teams: USA (Host), Australia, Panama, UEFA Playoff Winner B (TBD)
The Group D Matchday Schedule
The USMNT will play its group matches exclusively on the West Coast, starting in Los Angeles and moving to Seattle. The July 4th match in Los Angeles is expected to be the most in-demand ticket of the group stage.
| Date | Fixture | Venue | City | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 12 | USA vs. UEFA Playoff B | SoFi Stadium | Los Angeles, CA | Buy Tickets |
| June 13 | Japan vs. Panama | Levi’s Stadium | San Francisco Bay Area, CA | Buy Tickets |
| June 19 | USA vs. Panama | Lumen Field | Seattle, WA | Buy Tickets |
| June 20 | Japan vs. UEFA Playoff B | Levi’s Stadium | San Francisco Bay Area, CA | Buy Tickets |
| June 25 | USA vs. Japan | SoFi Stadium | Los Angeles, CA | Buy Tickets |
| June 25 | UEFA Playoff B vs. Panama | Lumen Field | Seattle, WA | Buy Tickets |
Group D: Team Previews & Storylines
USA: The Golden Generation on Home Soil
The USMNT enters 2026 with its most experienced squad ever, featuring stars playing at the highest levels of European soccer. With the advantage of a passionate home crowd and West Coast familiarity, the goal is not just to advance, but to win the group.
Key Player: Christian Pulisic (AC Milan) – “Captain America” remains the creative heartbeat of the team. His performance in the opening match at SoFi will set the tone for the tournament.
The Storyline: The June 25th match against Japan at SoFi Stadium will be a massive test of tactical discipline against one of Asia’s most organized sides.
Japan: The Technical Masters
Japan has evolved into a global powerhouse, known for their relentless pressing and technical precision. They have a history of upsetting “bigger” nations in the group stage, as seen in their 2022 victories over Germany and Spain.
Key Player: Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad) – A creative wizard whose vision and dribbling can unlock the tightest defenses.
The Storyline: Japan’s match against the USA in Los Angeles could decide who takes the top spot in Group D, avoiding a potentially harder path in the knockout rounds.
Panama: The Central American Underdog
Panama has proven to be a thorn in the side of the USA in recent CONCACAF competitions. They are physical, resilient, and deeply familiar with the American playing style.
Key Player: Adalberto Carrasquilla (Houston Dynamo) – A dynamic midfielder who dictates play and is well-acquainted with MLS-sized stadiums.
The Storyline: Facing the USA in Seattle—a city with a legendary soccer culture—will be an intimidating but historic moment for Panamanian soccer.
UEFA Playoff Winner B (TBD March 2026)
This spot will be filled by a high-level European side coming through the playoffs. Potential teams include Poland, Ukraine, or Greece.
The Storyline: If Poland qualifies, the match against the USA in LA will see a massive battle of fanbases, given the significant Polish-American population in Southern California.
Host City “Local Intelligence”
Seattle, WA (Lumen Field)
The Vibe: Widely considered the “loudest” stadium in the US. The vertical seating design traps sound, creating a wall of noise that is difficult for visiting teams.
Logistics: Located in the SoDo district. Use the Link Light Rail to the Stadium or International District/Chinatown stations. The march to the match from Occidental Park is a “bucket list” experience for fans.
Los Angeles, CA (SoFi Stadium)
The Vibe: A futuristic masterpiece. For the June 25th match, expect a celebrity-filled crowd and high-energy atmosphere.
Logistics: Traffic in Inglewood is heavy. Consider the Metro C Line with the SoFi shuttle, or stay in nearby El Segundo to minimize transit time.
2026 World Cup Group Hub
- Group A Schedule & Tickets
- Group B Schedule & Tickets
- Group C Schedule & Tickets
- Group D Schedule & Tickets
- Group E Schedule & Tickets
- Group F Schedule & Tickets
- Group G Schedule & Tickets
- Group H Schedule & Tickets
- Group I Schedule & Tickets
- Group J Schedule & Tickets
- Group K Schedule & Tickets
- Group L Schedule & Tickets
