World Cup: Group D Preview

USA – The host nation has been given an interesting group, lacking powerhouses but also lacking a clear underdog. All four teams will feel positive about their chances to advance. The US’s results under Mauricio Pochettino have been sporadic to say the least. They’ve had big wins against Japan and Uruguay but also crushing defeats against even better opposition like Belgium and Portugal. The Americans’ leg up in the group is that they’ve played the whole group in the last year (which might need to be investigated). Turkey beat the US 2-1 in June, then the US beat Australia and Paraguay by the same scoreline in October and November respectively. The results bode well for Poch’s men but also suggest how tight the group could be.

Player to watch: Malik Tillman
Ceiling: Quarterfinals

Paraguay – Last time La Albirroja played in the World Cup, they left their mark in a massive way. In South Africa in 2010, they won their group, knocked out Japan then pushed Spain to the brink in the quarterfinals. Expect the Paraguayan fans to arrive in droves as they try to egg on another red and white masterpiece. Palmeiras’ Gustavo Gómez and Sunderland’s Omar Alderete give a load of experience in the back and bright young playmakers like Julio Enciso and Diego Gomez will look to punish teams on the other end. This team finished qualifying level on points with Brazil and USA and Türkiye should be keenly aware of that.

Player to watch: Diego Gomez
Ceiling: Round of 16

Australia – The Socceroos are back for a 6th consecutive tournament, and they’ll be looking to disrupt Group D. They gave eventual champions Argentina a run for their money in the Round of 16 in 2022. They don’t boast a ton of European stars, but they will outwork anyone and have some exciting players from the English Championship like Nestory Irankunda and Riley McGree. They’ll be begging that McGree is fine after coming off injured in the promotion final. The best of the bunch might be left back Jordan Bos. The 23-year-old is solid in the back for Feyenoord and gets forward too, notching 4 goals and 7 assists in the Dutch league this season.

Player to watch: Jordan Bos
Ceiling: Round of 16

Türkiye – A 6-0 drubbing against Spain in September put Türkiye out of clear sight of automatic qualification. Despite winning or drawing their other five qualifiers, they were forced to go through the playoffs to make it to North America. Scrappy 1-0 wins against Romania and Kosovo punched their ticket in March, giving Türkiye its third trip to the World Cup. Ranked 22nd in the world currently, Türkiye is following a great upward trajectory. Their wide men, Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz and Real Madrid’s Arda Guler, are absolute ballers and can pull out some magic moments. The team will also be encouraged by their 2-1 win over the US last summer.

Player to watch: Kenan Yildiz
Ceiling: Quarterfinals