The U.S. squad, which reached the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after failing to qualify for the 2018 tournament in Russia, faces Paraguay in its opening match. This year's roster blends World Cup veterans with first-time participants, including players with experience in top European leagues. The team will have home-field advantage and a growing domestic fan base behind it.
You're playing for 330 million people. That's a big deal. There's added responsibility, added eyes. But at the same time, it's the ultimate goal, the ultimate honor.
U.S. captain Tim Ream also said he has no doubt the team could potentially win the tournament.
The United States is in Group D and is set to play at least three group-stage matches in June. The knockout stage begins June 28. The top two teams from each group, plus the eight third-place teams with the most points, advance to the round of 32.
If the U.S. advances, its knockout opponent will depend on group-stage results. A Group D winner would play July 1 at 8 p.m. ET at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. A Group D runner-up would play July 3 at 2 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
The round of 16 runs from July 4 to July 7. Quarterfinals are scheduled for July 9 and July 10. Semifinals take place July 14, and the World Cup final is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Overall, the 2026 World Cup features 48 teams, 104 matches, and runs across 39 days.
