WASHINGTON, D.C. - United States men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino said his objective over the next six months is to continue to improve the squad and "show full respect" for its World Cup group-stage opponents .

Those opponents came more into focus on Friday with the holding of the draw for next summer's World Cup. Joining the U.S. in Group D are Australia , Paraguay and then the winner of a playoff involving Kosovo , Romania , Slovakia and Turkiye .

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Turkiye, currently ranked 25th in the latest round of FIFA's rankings, is the favorite to advance. And while the U.S. defeated both Australia and Paraguay in recent friendlies, Pochettino

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