Who Will the US Face in the World Cup Round of 32?

The 2026 World Cup is set to be a landmark tournament, with FIFA expanding to 48 teams and introducing a Round of 32 for the first time in the modern era. For the United States Men's National Team, co-hosts alongside Mexico and Canada, this new format offers a unique path to the knockout stages—but also means tough matchups from the get-go.

As hosts, the US earn automatic qualification, so all eyes are on their group stage draw. Their final group placement will determine who they face in the Round of 32. Under the new system, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups advance, along with the eight best third-place finishers. That means the US could be crossing over with group winners or runners-up from different groups, depending on seeding and results.

Potential opponents could come from groups like Group A (if the US is in a different bracket), featuring any of the other 47 teams. The specific opponent will depend on where the US finishes in their group. If they top their group, they might face a third-place qualifier or a second-place team from another group. The knockout fixture is a single-elimination tie, so one bad day could end the run.

Historically, the US has had mixed results in knockout matches. Their best World Cup performance in the modern era was reaching the quarterfinals in 2002. This time, with home advantage and a deeper squad, expectations are high. The key will be navigating the group stage unscathed—avoiding early slip-ups against lower-ranked sides.

Fans should watch the draw closely, as it sets up the bracket. A favorable group path could give the US a relatively easier Round of 32 opponent, but there's no room for complacency. The knockout rounds are where legends are made, and the US will be eager to make a statement on home soil.