The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw is set for 12 pm ET on Friday, Dec. 5. We'll soon learn the United States ' Group D opponents.

Which, of course, means: It’s just an honor to be here, we’ll worry about ourselves and not the opponents, it doesn’t matter who we draw, we will take on anyone anytime, etc., etc., etc.

Good, now that we’ve got that out of the way, we can be honest about the fact that some of the potential groups are far more dangerous to the USMNT’s hopes of advancing than others.

Even with an expanded field – we’re at 48 teams now instead of 32 – doomsday and not quite so doomsday scenarios are lurking.

FIFA World Cup 2026 draw: Fan guide & everything to know

Before we lay those out, a few ground rules. The 48 teams are divided into four pots. Groups are made up of one tea

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