World Cup 2026: a look at the United States’ group-stage opponents

Brian Cole Jr., a 30-year-old from Virginia, made his first court appearance facing charges related to the planting of pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican party headquarters in Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021, the night before the Capitol riot. He stated in court that he believed in Donald Trump's false claims regarding the 2020 election results.

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place on December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., where England was drawn against Croatia, Brazil will face Scotland, and the USA will meet Australia. The event featured performances from notable artists including the Village People and Robbie Williams, alongside a unique appearance by Donald Trump, who received the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize during the ceremony.

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup revealed that the USA will compete against Australia, Paraguay, and one of Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo in the group stage. This event took place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., marking a significant moment as the co-hosts prepare for the tournament starting on June 12, 2026, in Los Angeles.

The FIFA World Cup draw held in Washington, D.C. has placed Team USA in a group with Australia, Paraguay, and one of Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo for the 2026 tournament. This event marks a significant step as teams prepare for the competition, with Australia currently ranked No. 26 and Team USA ranked No. 14 by FIFA.

Donald Trump was awarded the inaugural FIFA peace prize during the draw for the 2026 World Cup in Washington, D.C., where FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised his efforts to promote peace and unity globally. Trump claimed that his leadership has made the world a safer place, despite criticism of his peace claims.

Rep. Adam Smith, a leading Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, expressed strong opposition to the idea of the United States engaging in military conflict with Venezuela, emphasizing that such a move is unwarranted amid rising tensions between the two nations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met at an annual summit, where they agreed to expand trade ties between Russia and India, despite U.S. pressure for India to reconsider its longstanding partnership with Russia.

Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, expressed cautious optimism regarding the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas during an appearance on Meet the Press NOW, highlighting both hope and concern about its stability.