2026 World Cup: Group D preview, odds & predictions

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Ladbrokes shares its in-depth Group D preview, with a look at each nation, the full schedule, and the bookies' favourites.

Co-hosts USA are priced as the favourites to top Group D before a ball has been kicked at this summer's World Cup, but Australia, Turkey, and Paraguay make up an extremely balanced group - with every nation firmly believing they can claim an all-important spot in the round of 32.

Australia

The first team in what should be a hotly-contested Group D is Tony Popovic's Australia, who enter the 2026 World Cup as outsiders to progress to the knockout stages despite not being the lowest ranked side in their group - so they have every chance of springing a surprise.

The squad has a sprinkling of interesting names for European fans, with the likes of Nestory Irankunda, Riley McGree, and Mat Ryan looking to bring their experience to the global stage, and having recently beaten Cameroon and Canada in friendlies, the Aussies have proven they can compete with established international teams.

A round-of-16 appearance at the 2022 World Cup equalled their greatest-ever performance at the tournament, but with the 2026 iteration being the sixth consecutive World Cup that they'll be attending, Australia will be ready to show what they can do. The chance is there to build on previous experience, make history, and progress further into the tournament than ever before - but with odds of 500/1 to win the whole thing, that particular dream is probably a step too far.

Paraguay

Next up in Group D is Paraguay, the lowest ranked team in the group - but Gustavo Alfaro's side are tipped to have an enjoyable tournament according to Ladbrokes' latest odds, with the Paraguayans priced at just 7/2 to top a tricky group.

The emergence of some exciting names has contributed to their growing reputation in recent months, with players including Sunderland's Omar Alderete, Brighton's Diego Gomez, and former Premier League star Julio Enciso adding to the experience of players such as Miguel Almiron and Fabian Balbuena.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature Paraguay since 2010, where they reached the quarter-finals, and they'll be confident of qualifying for the knockouts again this time around - especially with the enlarged format. Recent victories over the likes of Mexico and Greece tell you everything you need to know about Paraguay's potential, so they could easily turn out to be one of this year's dark horses.

Turkey

The only European representative in Group D is Turkey, and having qualified with ease, the stage is set for Vincenzo Montella's side to make their mark on another tournament - having finished third back in 2002 in what was only their second-ever World Cup appearance.

Almost unbelievably, 2002 was also their most recent World Cup appearance, but Turkey will feel they're excellently placed to compete after reaching the quarter-finals of the Euros a couple of years ago. Huge names like Arda Guler, Kenan Yildiz, and Hakan Calhanoglu bring individual quality that their Group D opponents will struggle to contain, so they're another one who could easily emerge as this World Cup's surprise package.

Their opening match against Australia will show everyone what they're capable of this summer, and as the second-favourites to progress from Group D, it would be something of a surprise to see them fail to get out of the group - even as one of the best third-placed teams.

USA

Finally we get to the co-hosts, USA, who enter their home tournament as favourites to win Group D and reach the knockout stages for the second successive tournament - but while they're firm favourites to progress, raised expectations will bring added pressure.

With Mauricio Pochettino at the helm, they couldn't wish to be going into the tournament with a better manager, and their standout names (such as potential Golden Boot candidate Christian Pulisic) will raise the level of everyone around them - especially if they progress to some big knockout ties.

Conveniently, USA have already beaten Australia and Paraguay in friendlies within the last eight months, so despite losing to Belgium and Portugal in difficult recent tests, Pochettino's men know they have an excellent chance of winning the group - hence their tag as Ladbrokes' Group D favourites.

As previously mentioned, Ladbrokes has priced USA, this summer's co-hosts, as the favourites to emerge victorious from Group D, with a wealth of experience both on and off the pitch - and invaluable home support - giving them the edge over their tricky opponents.

Turkey come next in the bookies' odds with a price of 7/4 to win the group, with Paraguay right on their shoulders at 7/2. Australia round off Group D as outsiders to progress, but in one of the most balanced groups at the tournament, any nation could find themselves adrift if they're not at their best.

Ladbrokes' 2026 World Cup betting guide provides all the tips you need to place calculated, well-informed wagers on Group D.

• USA vs Paraguay (Saturday, 13 June - 02:00 BST)

• Australia vs Turkey (Sunday, 14 June - 05:00 BST)

• USA vs Australia (Friday, 19 June - 20:00 BST)

• Turkey vs Paraguay (Saturday, 20 June - 04:00 BST)

• Paraguay vs Australia (Friday, 26 June - 03:00 BST)

• Turkey vs USA (Friday, 26 June - 03:00 BST)

You can also find the full 2026 World Cup fixture schedule here.

Predicted standings:

• 1) USA

• 2) Turkey

• 3) Australia

• 4) Paraguay

We're following the odds with our Group D predictions and tipping USA to come out on top, with a strong start carrying them through ahead of Turkey in second, whose individual quality will win them enough points to safely sail through to the round of 32.

We're backing Australia to upset the odds and finish third, giving themselves a chance at reaching the knockouts as one of the best third-placed teams, with Paraguay finishing bottom of what could prove to be a thoroughly entertaining Group D.

For more group previews ahead of this summer's tournament, check out our 2026 World Cup content hub.

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All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.

View the latest World Cup 2026 odds.