The USMNT’s placement in Group D for the 2026 World Cup - alongside Paraguay, Australia, and the winner of Play-Off C (Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo) - quickly ignited debate. Fans, analysts, and pundits reacted in real time, sharing everything from excitement to anxiety as the draw unfolded.
The World Cup 2026 draw has been made, with England set to face Croatia in the group stages, and the USMNT to take on Australia. Brazil have been drawn with Morocco, while France will play Senegal and Argentina must face Austria.
FIFA has released its final rankings of 2025, with the U.S. Men’s National Team rising to No. 14 after wins over Paraguay and Uruguay. Mexico dropped to No. 15 following a draw and a defeat, leaving the U.S. as CONCACAF’s highest-ranked side to close the year. Spain remain No. 1, while Brazil returned to the top five.
Mexico closed 2025 with another setback - and another chorus of boos - after a 2–1 loss to Paraguay in San Antonio. Following the defeat, Javier Aguirre delivered one of his bluntest critiques yet, questioning both the individual and collective level of his squad. Winless in six straight, the coach acknowledged that Mexico remain well short of where they need to be ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Raúl Jiménez did not hold back after Mexico’s scoreless draw with Uruguay, calling out the Torreón crowd for repeatedly booing goalkeeper Raúl “Tala” Rangel and the rest of the squad. The Fulham striker said the atmosphere left the team “sad,” underscoring the growing disconnect between El Tri and its supporters.
Tony Meola reacted to Gio Reyna’s showing in the USMNT’s 2-1 win over Paraguay, praising his goal and chance created and noting his importance to the team despite lingering fitness questions. He said Reyna should be encouraged by the performance, which marked a strong return after a long spell away. The 22-year-old played 75 minutes on Saturday.
Balogun and Reyna shone brightly, but there were plenty of other aspects of the USMNT that Mauricio Pochettino will be encouraged by following their win over Paraguay.
Mexico and Uruguay played to a scoreless draw in a match that lacked clear scoring chances. Aside from a good opportunity for Gilberto Mora in the second half, neither Javier Aguirre’s side nor Marcelo Bielsa’s looked comfortable at TSM. It was a midfield-heavy, uneventful game that left Mexico fans frustrated - and saw Hirving Lozano exit with an injury.
Miles Robinson addressed the altercation that erupted at the end of the United States men’s national team’s 2-1 win over Paraguay during the November 2025 friendlies, offering clarity on how a late throw-in dispute escalated into a bench-clearing confrontation. However, both Robinson and Gio Reyna said the scuffle ultimately reflected the team’s character and commitment to one another.
Aaronson has often been labeled a tweener, but his versatility has been vital for Leeds this season. That same flexibility could position him for increased minutes with the USMNT.
Álvaro Fidalgo’s chances of representing Mexico appear closer than ever, as Javier Aguirre confirmed he intends to call up the América midfielder once he becomes eligible in March 2026. The Spanish-born playmaker, who has spent nearly five years in Liga MX, is on track to join Mexico’s growing group of naturalized players.
Gio Reyna, Joe Scally and Ricardo Pepi are back in the U.S. men's national team squad for upcoming friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay. Mauricio Pochettino on Thursday announced his roster for the final two friendlies of 2025, and it doesn't include Christian Pulisic, who headlines a list of USMNT stars who have been dealing with injuries.
Mexico have revealed the jersey they’ll wear at the 2026 World Cup, marking a return to the traditional green that fans have long associated with El Tri. Inspired by the nation’s cultural roots, the kit features subtle Aztec motifs and will debut on Nov. 15 against Uruguay in Torreón - months before Mexico open the tournament on home soil.
Paraguay
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