Co-hosts United States open their tournament against Paraguay. Australia brings strong recent knockout-stage consistency. USA and Australia have the history and edge to qualify
Co-host USA and round-of-16 regulars Australia are favorites, facing a strong Türkiye and South American contenders Paraguay.
The United States will be competing at their 12th FIFA World Cup, with their best finish being a third-place run, way back in the inaugural 1930 tournament. The North American nation was present at the last tournament in Qatar.
Paraguay will be competing at their ninth World Cup, returning to the big stage for the first time since 2010, where they enjoyed their best-ever finish by reaching the quarter-finals.
Australia will be competing in their seventh World Cup, having memorably reached the Round of 16 in Germany 2006 and Qatar 2022.
Türkiye will be playing at their third FIFA World Cup, making their first appearance in 24 years since they last competed in 2002, where they recorded a stunning third-place finish.
The favorites to finish top two in this group are joint hosts USA and Australia, while Türkiye may qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Groups A to L feature a mix of traditional heavyweights, historic rivalries, and four tournament debutants. Under the expanded 48-team format, the top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-place finishers will advance to the Round of 32.