Is Türkiye Now the Favorite to Win Group D Over USA?: 'They're a Proper Team'
#Türkiye#USA#Group D#2026 World Cup#soccer rankings#qualification#friendly matches
📌 Key Takeaways
Türkiye's strong Euro 2024 quarterfinal performance and World Cup qualification have made them a formidable opponent in Group D.
Analysts suggest Türkiye is now the favorite to win Group D over the USA, citing their recent form and ranking rise.
The USA's consecutive losses to European teams and poor recent friendly results have raised concerns about their group stage prospects.
The USA's opening match against Paraguay is considered critical to avoid added pressure before facing Türkiye in the final group game.
📖 Full Retelling
As far as results are concerned, things could have gone much better for the United States men's national team this past international window. Not only did the U.S. lose both of their friendlies against Belgium and Portugal, but its path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage got notably more difficult with the introduction of Türkiye in Group D. "I’ve been talking them up," David Mosse said on the latest episode of "State of the Union." "They’re a proper team. They got the quarterfinals of the Euros. The only reason they were in this playoff is because they were in the same group as Spain … I think that will be a tough, tough game for the U.S." Türkiye punched its ticket to the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Kosovo in the final of the 2026 World Cup European playoffs. Its performance in the tournament saw it move from No. 25 to No. 22 in the latest FIFA men's world ranking. Meanwhile, the U.S. moved down from 15 to 16. The United States won't see Türkiye until the final match of the group stage, but that arguably complicates things further for a U.S. team that has lost its last eight consecutive matches against European competition. "That first game now for the U.S. is just absolutely paramount," Stone said. "Not that it hasn’t been in the beginning, but if you stumble out of the gates in L.A. against Paraguay — uh oh. And like a real big uh oh, because you have to get your business taken care of before you see Türkiye in L.A. to close out the group stage. "I think Türkiye is the favorite. I think they’re going to win their first two games fairly comfortably. I think for the U.S., it’s going to be more of a struggle. Can they win those two games? Absolutely. Should the U.S. get through? Absolutely, but I think Türkiye is the favorite right now — right now. There’s a long time to go." Lalas, meanwhile, is still bullish on the United States' chances of advancing — and winning — Group D. "I would put this group against any other group in the past in terms of not just
Group D may refer to:
FIA Group D - International Formula racing cars:
Formula Two
Formula Three
Formula 3000
One of six or eight groups of four teams competing at the FIFA World Cup
2022 FIFA World Cup Group D
2018 FIFA World Cup Group D
2014 FIFA World Cup Group D
2010 FIFA World Cup Group D
2006...
The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 contiguous states border Canada to the north and Mexico to the south, ...
This news matters because it reshapes expectations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D, directly impacting the United States men's national team's chances of advancing. It affects U.S. soccer fans, players, and coaching staff, as well as Türkiye's supporters and global football analysts, by highlighting a shift in perceived group dynamics. The analysis suggests Türkiye's recent strong performances could make them group favorites, adding pressure on the U.S. to perform in early matches. This could influence team strategies, fan morale, and betting markets as the tournament approaches.
Context & Background
The United States men's national team lost both friendlies against Belgium and Portugal in the recent international window, extending a losing streak against European teams.
Türkiye qualified for the 2026 World Cup by winning the European playoffs with a 1-0 victory over Kosovo, following a quarterfinal run in the UEFA European Championship.
FIFA rankings shifted with Türkiye moving up to No. 22 and the U.S. dropping to No. 16, reflecting recent form and adding context to the group stage predictions.
What Happens Next
The U.S. will focus on preparing for its first Group D match against Paraguay in Los Angeles, which analysts deem critical to avoid early pressure. Türkiye is expected to play its first two group games, with predictions of comfortable wins, before facing the U.S. in the final group stage match. Over the next two years, both teams will engage in friendlies, training, and tactical adjustments, with ongoing debates about group favorites likely to intensify as the 2026 World Cup nears.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Türkiye considered a favorite over the USA in Group D?
Türkiye is seen as a favorite due to its strong recent form, including a quarterfinal finish in the Euros and a rise in FIFA rankings, while the U.S. has struggled with losses to European teams and dropped in rankings.
What does the U.S. need to do to advance from Group D?
The U.S. must win its early matches, particularly against Paraguay, to secure points before facing Türkiye, and improve performances against European competition to boost confidence and standings.
How does Türkiye's qualification affect the World Cup group dynamics?
Türkiye's addition makes Group D more competitive, shifting predictions and requiring the U.S. to reassess strategies, as analysts now view Türkiye as a top contender for group victory.
What are the key dates or matches to watch in Group D?
Key matches include the U.S. vs. Paraguay opener and the final group stage clash between the U.S. and Türkiye, both in Los Angeles, which will likely decide group standings.
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Original Source
As far as results are concerned, things could have gone much better for the United States men's national team this past international window. Not only did the U.S. lose both of their friendlies against Belgium and Portugal, but its path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage got notably more difficult with the introduction of Türkiye in Group D. "I’ve been talking them up," David Mosse said on the latest episode of "State of the Union." "They’re a proper team. They got the quarterfinals of the Euros. The only reason they were in this playoff is because they were in the same group as Spain … I think that will be a tough, tough game for the U.S." Türkiye punched its ticket to the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Kosovo in the final of the 2026 World Cup European playoffs. Its performance in the tournament saw it move from No. 25 to No. 22 in the latest FIFA men's world ranking. Meanwhile, the U.S. moved down from 15 to 16. The United States won't see Türkiye until the final match of the group stage, but that arguably complicates things further for a U.S. team that has lost its last eight consecutive matches against European competition. "That first game now for the U.S. is just absolutely paramount," Stone said. "Not that it hasn’t been in the beginning, but if you stumble out of the gates in L.A. against Paraguay — uh oh. And like a real big uh oh, because you have to get your business taken care of before you see Türkiye in L.A. to close out the group stage. "I think Türkiye is the favorite. I think they’re going to win their first two games fairly comfortably. I think for the U.S., it’s going to be more of a struggle. Can they win those two games? Absolutely. Should the U.S. get through? Absolutely, but I think Türkiye is the favorite right now — right now. There’s a long time to go." Lalas, meanwhile, is still bullish on the United States' chances of advancing — and winning — Group D. "I would put this group against any other group in the past in terms of not just
