Here’s how the U.S. Men’s National Team can find its way to KC in World Cup
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- USMNT will play early 2026 World Cup matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
- Third-place finish in Group D could send the team to Kansas City July 3.
- A second-place path would place the USMNT in a Kansas City quarterfinal on July 11.
The United States Men’s National Team knew its path through the 2026 World Cup group stage before Friday’s draw.
As hosts, the U.S., Mexico and Canada were placed in Pot 1 and assigned groups, and the Americans will remain on the West Coast for their early games, playing twice in Los Angeles and once in Seattle.
But could the U.S. find its way to Kansas City if it emerges from Group D?
Yes.
It couldn’t happen if the USMNT wins its group that includes Australia, Paraguay and a team that emerges from a playoff involving Slovakia, Kosovo, Turkey and Romania.
According to a New York Times, graphic, the U.S. could play a Round-of-32 knockout game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium — known as Kansas City Stadium for the World Cup — on July 3 if it finishes as the group’s third-place team.
But this much is certain: If the United States finishes second in its group and advances to the quarterfinal by winning two more games, it will play its quarterfinal match in Kansas City on July 11.
The U.S. last reached the quarterfinal stage in 2002.
This story was originally published December 5, 2025 at 3:10 PM.