Group D gives the United States a huge chance to make a statement on home soil, but it also feels like one of the more dangerous groups at the World Cup.
Mauricio Pochettino's side will be expected to progress in front of their own fans, yet Paraguay, Australia and Turkey all bring awkward problems. None of them should arrive fearing the hosts.
For the US, the pressure is obvious. Pochettino has serious talent to knit together, and anything short of a strong run will feel like a missed opportunity to give home fans an unforgettable summer.
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The USMNT have the home advantage, but they also carry the biggest pressure in the group. Pochettino has players with real pedigree, from Christian Pulisic to Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Malik Tillman.
The question is whether he can make it work in an attacking sense. Pulisic is clearly the best player in the squad and is coming off a decent season with AC Milan, but the balance around him still needs to be right.
Maybe the pressure of a home World Cup helps them, but it could just as easily weigh them down.
Paraguay should not be underestimated. They finished level on points with Brazil and Ecuador in South American qualifying.
They also had one of the strongest defensive records, behind only Ecuador, and have become very hard to break down. Since their manager came in, they have lost just one competitive game, a 1-0 defeat to Brazil.
The problem is Julio Enciso's injury. The former Brighton forward is their biggest attacking threat, and if he misses the tournament, Paraguay will have to find a different way to carry danger in the final third.
Australia are unlikely to be the most exciting team in Group D, but they could still be a very awkward opponent. Tony Popovic has brought a pragmatic and defensively solid element to the side.
The warm-up games have pointed toward a 5-4-1 shape. That will make Australia difficult to pull apart.
The Socceroos also have tournament experience. They have been regulars at recent World Cups and reached the last 16 in 2022, so they will not be overawed by the stage.
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Turkey look like the most talented squad in the group. Hakan Calhanoglu's fitness will be important in that deeper midfield role. We'll see how ready he is.
Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz give them a level of individual talent that no other team in the group can clearly match. If those players click, Turkey should have enough to take control.
There is always a risk with Turkey because expectation can bring volatility, but on pure ability they look the best side here. They should be aiming to top the group.
For the reasons mentioned, it looks like Turkey's group to lose. But fear not, the US will rise to the occasion and take second place.
They won't get there on reputation alone, and Pochettino has to right his woeful European record quickly, but the quality they possess should be enough to see them through to the knockouts.
Paraguay's lack of attacking firepower sees them finish third, with Australia rounding out what looks like being one of the most competitive groups at the tournament.
