WASHINGTON, D.C. -- United States men's national team 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 Friday, when the draw was held for next summer's World Cup. The U.S. is in Group D, along with Australia , Paraguay and the winner of a playoff involving Kosovo , Romania , Slovakia and Türkiye .

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Türkiye, which is 25th in the latest round of FIFA's rankings, is the favorite to advance. And although the U.S. defeated Australia and Paraguay in recent friendlies, Pochettino noted there is still ple

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