Group D is the trickiest group to handle. When the groups were selected, it looked like this was the most competitive group, not necessarily the most talented, but all 4 nations have a real shot to win it.
Australia (FIFA Rank 27)
Australia gave the eventual champions Argentina a real scare in Qatar in the round of 16 and will have a chance to give a scare to the hosts of this World Cup, the United States. Christian Volpato has been starting to make an impact at Sassuolo, and Mohamed Toure has been scored in bunches in his debut season at Norwich City. Both players are just 22 years old, and will be key to Australian success stateside.
Paraguay (FIFA Rank 40)
Paraguay just barely scraped by in the South American world cup qualification, but have been put in a group they can handle, and certainly make noise in. Julio Enciso bagged 3 assists in the final game of his season at Strasbourg, and Omar Alderete was an important centre back for Sunderland all year. They have been battle tested in South American qualifying, now the question is if they can put it together and make it to the knockouts.
Turkiye (FIFA Rank 22)
Turkiye has so many elite youngsters, but the two to highlight Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz. Both are 21 and despite their age, have the poise to run circles around Group D. On top of that, the always underrated central midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu brings his experience to the young squad. This is the start of a golden generation in Turkiye, with the squad oozing with talent for the present and the future.
United States (FIFA Rank 16)
It is do or die for this United States generation. They are hosting the world’s biggest tournament, they have grown the current crop of players into great players in Europe and have a manageable group. The USA have struggled in international tournaments of late however, losing in the two previous Gold Cup finals to Mexico, as well as failing to make the knockouts in Copa America in 2024, all tournaments on home soil. Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie have put up huge seasons in Italy, but will be on the wrong side of 30 by the time the 2030 World Cup rolls around. The knockouts are a must for this team, and they may need even further to please the home crowd.
Official Prediction:
The pressure is on for the United States to win this group, and they will do that. They are the deepest team in this group, and while Turkiye will make a charge with their young talent, they just aren’t ready yet.
- United States
- Turkiye
- Paraguay
- Australia