PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Soccer fans gathered in South Philadelphia on Friday to watch the World Cup draw and learn who the U.S. will face in the group stage.

A large crowd filled Stateside Live as Philadelphia mascots and even the governor joined the event hosted by Philadelphia Soccer 2026, the local committee planning next summer's World Cup matches in the city.

"Pretty excited. We kind of pulled him out of school a little early to see this, he's big into Union and soccer," said Jim Ford of Pine Hill, New Jersey.

"I think the USA is going to make it all the way," said Carter Ford, also of Pine Hill.

The draw divided participating nations into 12 groups. The U.S. will face Australia, Paraguay and the winner of a playoff round between Turkey, Romania, Slovakia and Kosovo.

"I think the

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