World Cup draw could hardly have gone better for US

"The co-host should expect to stick around at its own party until at least the round of 32 after being grouped with Paraguay, Australia and the winner of a European playoff between Turkey, Slovakia, Kosovo and Romania in Friday's draw, attended by President Donald Trump in Washington. 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"

"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."

"With so many teams and a seeded draw, it was natural the biggest nations would be kept apart in the opening phase. There was no obvious group of death. France was drawn with Senegal, Norway and one of Bolivia, Suriname or Iraq. England, ranked No. 4, has No. 10-ranked Croatia, Ghana and Panama. The group phase may deliver shocks but it is hard to see the real jeopardy for the top seeded teams."

The United States was placed in Group D with Paraguay, Australia and the winner of a European playoff involving Turkey, Slovakia, Kosovo and Romania, making U.S. progression to the round of 32 likely. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino remains cautious despite none of those nations being in FIFA's top 20. Mexico faces South Africa, South Korea and a playoff qualifier and is also expected to advance. Canada drew Qatar and Switzerland and could face Italy via the playoffs, which would make its group much tougher. The expansion to 48 teams and a seeded draw separated top nations and reduced obvious "groups of death."

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