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Group D produced two winners on matchday one — and one of them few saw coming. Co-hosts the United States hit Paraguay for four in a commanding opener, while Australia pulled off the surprise of the round by beating a fancied Turkey side 2-0. Here is how the group looks and what comes next.
USA 4-1 Paraguay: A Whirlwind First Half at SoFi
Roared on by a packed SoFi Stadium — and following the tournament's third and final opening ceremony, complete with a Katy Perry performance — the United States made a flying start. The breakthrough was a gift: Weston McKennie's attempted square ball was turned into his own net by Damián Bobadilla.
From there the hosts took over. After seeing one effort ruled out, Folarin Balogun made it 2-0 minutes later, the Monaco striker finishing smartly from a Christian Pulisic assist. Right before the break, Balogun struck again, drifting onto his left foot and curling a superb effort into the top corner to cap a dazzling first 45 minutes.
Mauricio Pochettino's side eased off after the interval, and Paraguay pulled one back through Maurício after some hesitant home defending. But the United States had the final word, Giovanni Reyna rounding off the win with a classy goal in stoppage time. A 4-1 result is the perfect launchpad. Relive it on our USA vs Paraguay page.
Australia 2-0 Turkey: The Aussies Spring a Surprise
Turkey, packed with talent from across Europe's top leagues, were widely tipped to win this one — but Australia had other ideas in Vancouver. The Socceroos struck first on 27 minutes when Nestory Irankunda raced clear and finished well to silence the favourites.
Turkey, back at a World Cup for the first time since their third-place run in 2002, responded with chances of their own — Abdülkerim Bardakcı rattled the post and goalkeeper Patrick Beach was alert to deny an Arda Güler free-kick. But Australia defended resolutely and landed the knockout blow on 75 minutes through Connor Metcalfe, sealing a memorable 2-0 victory. See the full result on our Australia vs Turkey page.
How Group D Looks After Matchday 1
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USA | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 3 |
| 2 | Australia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| 3 | Turkey | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| 4 | Paraguay | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 0 |
Both winners sit on three points, with the USA edging top spot thanks to their superior goal difference. Turkey and Paraguay, meanwhile, are left with plenty to do after losing their openers — and both will be desperate to respond next time out.
What's Next in Group D
The second round of fixtures could be decisive at both ends of the table. The two early leaders meet when the co-hosts take on the Socceroos in USA vs Australia, a clash that could go a long way to settling top spot. At the other end, it is win-or-bust for two sides under pressure when Turkey face Paraguay in Turkey vs Paraguay — defeat for either could spell an early exit.
Be There for the Drama
Group D already has goals, an upset and a host nation in form. Browse every available fixture on our World Cup 2026 tickets page and secure your seat before the biggest games sell out.
