# 2026 World Cup Draw: Teams the USMNT Needs to Avoid
We can’t believe it, but the World Cup Draw is closing in for the 2026 edition of the tournament. Before that happens, here are a few nightmare scenarios for the USMNT.
The 2026 World Cup draw takes place Friday, and it will finally give us a clearer picture of what lies ahead for the United States Men’s National Team. As a co-host nation, the USMNT benefits from being placed in Pot 1, which should theoretically provide a more favorable path to the knockout stages. However, that advantage doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing—there are several dangerous teams lurking in the other pots that could turn any group into a minefield.
Let’s break down five nightmare opponents that Mauricio Pochettino and his squad are hoping to avoid when the balls start dropping.
**Norway: The Pot 3 Powerhouse**
If there’s one team that could transform any group into the “Group of Death,” it’s Norway. Despite not appearing at a World Cup since 1998, the Norwegians are widely considered the strongest team in Pot 3.
Their qualifying campaign was nothing short of spectacular—a perfect record with 37 goals scored and just five conceded. Leading the charge is Manchester City’s goal machine Erling Haaland, who finished as the top scorer in all of World Cup Qualifying. The prospect of facing Haaland in the group stage would be daunting enough on its own, but Norway’s overall quality means they could easily be the second-toughest opponent in any group they enter. For the USMNT, drawing Norway would significantly complicate their path to advancement.
**Ghana: Ghosts of World Cups Past**
While Ghana may not be at the peak of their powers—they didn’t even qualify for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations—they remain a formidable opponent and arguably the best team in Pot 4 outside of the European playoff qualifiers.
For American fans, the history alone makes this matchup anxiety-inducing. Ghana eliminated the USMNT from both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, creating a rivalry filled with painful memories. Though the U.S. finally got revenge with a victory in 2014, the psychological weight of potentially facing the Black Stars again cannot be ignored. Any group containing Ghana would likely be one of the tournament’s most challenging, and given the history between these nations, the Americans would much rather see almost any other Pot 4 team.
**Morocco: The African Juggernaut**
Fresh off a sensational run to the 2022 World Cup semifinals, Morocco enters the 2026 tournament as one of the most dangerous teams in Pot 2. The Atlas Lions boast a roster packed with players from elite European clubs, making them arguably the strongest second-seeded team in the draw.
What makes Morocco particularly worrying for the USMNT is the recent track record at youth levels. Earlier this year, Morocco knocked out both the U.S. Under-20 and Under-17 teams at their respective World Cups. The Under-23 side also fell to Morocco in the quarterfinals of the Olympic tournament. While youth results don’t directly predict senior team outcomes, the pattern is concerning. Morocco would likely be favored over the USMNT to win any group they share, making them a team to avoid at all costs.
**Colombia: A Painful Reminder**
Colombia represents another Pot 2 nightmare for different reasons—recent history that’s still fresh in everyone’s minds. Last summer, Los Cafeteros embarrassed the United States 5-1 before the USMNT’s disastrous Copa América campaign on home soil.
While much has changed for the Americans under Pochettino since that debacle, Colombia remains a team with an ideal blend of talent and experience. They’re considered a dark horse to win the entire tournament. Though it will be difficult for the U.S. to completely avoid quality opposition from Pot 2, steering clear of Colombia specifically would be a welcome outcome. The psychological burden of that 5-1 thrashing still looms large.
**Senegal: Athletic Excellence from Africa**
Rounding out the list is Senegal from Pot 2, who—aside from Morocco—hold the shortest odds of any African nation to win the World Cup. The Lions of Teranga reached the Round of 16 at the 2022 tournament and recorded an impressive 3-1 friendly victory over England last June.
What makes Senegal particularly challenging is their combination of athleticism
