The reaction from American soccer pundits was swift and supremely confident after the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw placed the United States and Australia together in Group D. Analysts and former players labelled the Socceroos an "easy" and "gettable" opponent, prompting a defiant response from Australian coach Tony Popovic, who warned any side underestimating his team would receive a "rude shock".
US Media Celebrates 'Lay-Up' Draw Against Australia
The draw ceremony in Washington DC on Saturday saw the host nation, USA, drawn alongside Paraguay (FIFA world no.39), Australia (no.26), and a UEFA playoff winner (either Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo). The immediate analysis from US media figures was one of unbridled optimism for the American side, ranked 14th in the world.
Former US international and CBS analyst Sacha Kljestan boldly claimed, "We're winning the World Cup," after seeing basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal pull Australia's name from Pot 2. Fellow CBS commentator and ex-player Mike Grella called the match-up a "lay-up for the US," adding, "[Australia] stumbled through qualifying, they were not so impressive. This is an amazing draw for the US... We don't want to disrespect the teams, but [USA] got the easiest team, Australia."
The confidence stems partly from a recent friendly, where the USA secured a 2-1 victory over the Socceroos in Colorado just two months ago. ESPN's Alejandro Moreno declared, "We are number one, baby. This is a very gettable group. Very doable." Charlie Davies of CBS Sports summed up the sentiment: "No disrespect to the other nations... but this is a dream scenario... We should win this group."
Popovic Embraces Underdog Tag, Issues Warning
Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic said he was not surprised by the dismissive comments from across the Pacific. "If you're the US and you look at the draw, you're the host nation, you're playing at home, you want to fancy yourself to be able to get through," Popovic acknowledged.
However, he sent a clear message that his team would be no pushover. "But that shouldn't stop us from believing we can get through the group as well - and we'll go into it with a lot of optimism and confidence," Popovic stated. "Anyone that underestimates us, I think will get a rude shock when it comes to those group games."
In contrast to the bullish media, US coach Mauricio Pochettino struck a more cautious tone in his post-draw press conference. "My message to the players is Paraguay, Australia and the other team is going to be difficult," Pochettino said. "We need to prepare like each game is the final of the World Cup. Thinking we should win before we play the games is the wrong mindset."
Socceroos' Path Through Group D Revealed
The Socceroos' schedule for the expanded 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, is now set. Australia will begin their campaign on June 14 against the UEFA playoff winner at BC Place in Vancouver.
Their marquee clash against the United States will follow on June 20 at Lumen Field in Seattle, before they complete the group stage against Paraguay on June 26 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Under the new format, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups will advance, along with the eight best third-placed teams, increasing the chances of progression for many nations. Popovic believes his team is well-placed. "We feel like everyone else in the group - that it's a group that you can get out of," he said.
Historically, the Socceroos have a mixed record against their Group D rivals. Against the USA, Australia has one win, one draw, and two losses from four meetings. Versus Paraguay, the record is more favourable, with the Socceroos unbeaten in five clashes (two wins, three draws).
