World Cup draw could hardly have gone better for U.S.

Key Highlights

• U. S.
• coach Mauricio Pochettino will take nothing for granted but with none of those nations ranked in the top 20 by FIFA it would be a major disappointment if his team failed to advance as one of the top two in Group D or via the safety net as a best-performing third-place qualifier.
• Another co-host, Mexico, will also expect to progress from a group with South Africa, South Korea and one of Denmark, North Macedonia, Czech Republic or Ireland.
• Third co-host Canada's group could look significantly more difficult if four-time world champion Italy qualifies via the playoffs.
• Canada, which has never won a point at the World Cup, also drew Qatar and Switzerland.