How USMNT avoided a tough group draw at the 2026 World Cup

How USMNT avoided a tough group draw at the 2026 World Cup

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The World Cup draw took place in Washington, DC and left many USMNT fans feeling good about the team’s chance to advance past the group stage for the first time since 2014.

The United States has been grouped with Australia and Paraguay so far (more on that in a bit) in what could only be described as a favorable set of teams for USA advancement chances.

The USMNT, currently ranked 14th in FIFA’s latest world rankings, was ultimately drawn to Group D. The group includes the following countries:

The fourth team will be from the UEFA playoffs that will take place in spring 2026. That group of countries includes Türkiye (#25), Romania (#47), Slovakia (#45), and Kosovo (#80). Türkiye advancing would boost the degree of difficulty, but USA Soccer should be happy overall.

The USMNT’s recent history is not as bad as some paint it to be, but fans are demanding more. In 2022, the advancement to the Round of 16 was hailed as a success after missing the World Cup entirely in 2018. Prior to that, however, the results were middling. 2014 and 2010 resulted in losses in the Round of 16, while 2006 was yet another group stage exit.

You have to go all the way back to 2022 for a meaningful finish when the squad reached the quarterfinals. By the time the tourney kicks off, it will be 24 years of broken promises … will this be the tournament where things finally work out?

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The Indian contingent has had a mixed bag of results in the Round 10 of the FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament, happening in Cyprus.

Vaishali (Black) secured a draw with Ukraine’s Anna Muzychuk, taking her tally to six points and consolidating her position at the top of the table in the women’s category. Meanwhile, Divya (White) lost to Russia’s Aleksandra Goryachkina to drop to second-last in the standings.

In the open category, Praggnanandhaa (Black) lost to the table-topper Javokhir Sindarov from Uzbekistan, remaining in seventh place in the points table with four points.

Here are the remaining fixtures for the Indian players in the FIDE Candidates 2026.

Remaining FIDE Candidates 2026 fixtures for Indian players

Round 11 (April 11)

R. Praggnanandhaa (White) vs. Matthias Bluebaum

R. Vaishali (Black) vs. Aleksandra Goryachkina

Divya Deshmukh (Black) vs. Zhu Jiner

Round 12 (April 12)

R. Praggnanandhaa (Black) vs. Andrey Esipenko

R. Vaishali (White) vs. Zhu Jiner

Divya Deshmukh (White) vs. Tan Zhongyi

Round 13 (April 14)

R. Praggnanandhaa (Black) vs. Fabiano Caruana

Divya Deshmukh (Black) vs. Kateryna Lagno

R. Vaishali (Black) vs. Tan Zhongyi

Round 14 (April 15)

R. Praggnanandhaa (White) vs. Hikaru Nakamura

R. Vaishali (White) vs. Kateryna Lagno

Divya Deshmukh (White) vs. Bibisara Assaubayeva

Where to watch the FIDE Candidates 2026?

You can catch the Indian players live in action at the FIDE Candidates 2026 on the FIDE  YouTube channel.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#FIDE #Candidates #Indians #action #Vaishali #Divya #Praggnanandhaa #stand">FIDE Candidates 2026, Indians in action: Where do Vaishali, Divya, Praggnanandhaa stand before Round 11? The Indian contingent has had a mixed bag of results in the Round 10 of the FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament, happening in Cyprus.Vaishali (Black) secured a draw with Ukraine’s Anna Muzychuk, taking her tally to six points and consolidating her position at the top of the table in the women’s category. Meanwhile, Divya (White) lost to Russia’s Aleksandra Goryachkina to drop to second-last in the standings.In the open category, Praggnanandhaa (Black) lost to the table-topper Javokhir Sindarov from Uzbekistan, remaining in seventh place in the points table with four points.Here are the remaining fixtures for the Indian players in the FIDE Candidates 2026. Remaining FIDE Candidates 2026 fixtures for Indian players Round 11 (April 11) R. Praggnanandhaa (White) vs. Matthias Bluebaum R. Vaishali (Black) vs. Aleksandra Goryachkina Divya Deshmukh (Black) vs. Zhu Jiner Round 12 (April 12) R. Praggnanandhaa (Black) vs. Andrey Esipenko R. Vaishali (White) vs. Zhu Jiner Divya Deshmukh (White) vs. Tan Zhongyi Round 13 (April 14) R. Praggnanandhaa (Black) vs. Fabiano Caruana Divya Deshmukh (Black) vs. Kateryna Lagno R. Vaishali (Black) vs. Tan Zhongyi Round 14 (April 15) R. Praggnanandhaa (White) vs. Hikaru Nakamura R. Vaishali (White) vs. Kateryna Lagno Divya Deshmukh (White) vs. Bibisara Assaubayeva Where to watch the FIDE Candidates 2026? You can catch the Indian players live in action at the FIDE Candidates 2026 on the FIDE  YouTube channel. Published on Apr 10, 2026 #FIDE #Candidates #Indians #action #Vaishali #Divya #Praggnanandhaa #stand

Deadspin | Magic eager to continue winning ways in encounter vs. Bulls Apr 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) dunks during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images The Orlando Magic have climbed the Eastern Conference standings and have a chance to avoid the play-in tournament thanks to a late-season surge. Orlando enters Friday night’s visit to the Chicago Bulls on a four-game winning streak, its second-longest run of the season. Magic coach Jamahl Mosley used a starting lineup of Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. for the first time since Dec. 7 during Wednesday’s 132-120 home victory against Minnesota. Wherever Orlando (44-36) finishes in the standings, players like how the team has rallied ahead of the postseason. “Nobody wants to see us in a seven-game series,” center Goga Bitadze said. “That’s how we feel. We’ve got to prove it, but we’ve got to take care of business and wherever we end up, go from there.” With two games remaining, the Magic have clinched a postseason berth and hold a one-game edge on Philadelphia and Charlotte in the race for the No. 7 seed and are one game behind Atlanta for No. 6. The Nos. 7-10 seeds in each conference will take part in the play-in tournament. Chicago (31-49), meanwhile, is coming off a two-game road sweep of the NBA-worst Washington Wizards, giving the beleaguered Bulls consecutive victories for the first time since a four-game winning streak from Jan. 18-24. Tre Jones scored 31 points to key Thursday’s 119-108 victory against the Wizards, including a 12-for-12 effort from the free-throw line. “We knew they were going to come out and try to get us back from the other night, you know. They answered the bell early, but in the second half, we came out ready to play, hit them in the mouth again and then finished down the stretch,” Jones said. He has scored at least 20 points in three successive games for the first time in his career. The Bulls hope to maintain their scoring balance against the Magic. Collin Sexton chipped in 27 points against Washington while Leonard Miller scored a career-best 26 points to go with 11 rebounds. Chicago this week fired president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley. The team’s top two scorers, Josh Giddey (strained left hamstring) and Matas Buzelis (lllness), missed Thursday’s game, in which the Bulls dressed just nine players. Jett Howard (sprained left ankle) and Jonathan Isaac (sprained left knee) will miss Friday’s game for the Magic. Wagner wasn’t listed on the injury report; he injured his left leg in the third quarter against Minnesota but returned to the floor. “Pretty quickly, though, it all felt normal and we checked everything,” Wagner said. “I think it’s important to be out there and get some confidence and play a couple minutes more.” Orlando is 7-3 in the past 10 meetings with Chicago, but the Bulls can clinch the season series with a victory. Chicago took a 2-1 edge with a 121-114 home win on Jan. 2 and is trying for consecutive wins against Orlando for the first time since the 2021-22 season. Sexton is shooting 50% from the floor, including 59.1% from long range, in his past five games vs. the Magic. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Magic #eager #continue #winning #ways #encounter #BullsApr 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) dunks during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

The Orlando Magic have climbed the Eastern Conference standings and have a chance to avoid the play-in tournament thanks to a late-season surge.

Orlando enters Friday night’s visit to the Chicago Bulls on a four-game winning streak, its second-longest run of the season.

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley used a starting lineup of Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. for the first time since Dec. 7 during Wednesday’s 132-120 home victory against Minnesota.

Wherever Orlando (44-36) finishes in the standings, players like how the team has rallied ahead of the postseason.

“Nobody wants to see us in a seven-game series,” center Goga Bitadze said. “That’s how we feel. We’ve got to prove it, but we’ve got to take care of business and wherever we end up, go from there.”

With two games remaining, the Magic have clinched a postseason berth and hold a one-game edge on Philadelphia and Charlotte in the race for the No. 7 seed and are one game behind Atlanta for No. 6.

The Nos. 7-10 seeds in each conference will take part in the play-in tournament.

Chicago (31-49), meanwhile, is coming off a two-game road sweep of the NBA-worst Washington Wizards, giving the beleaguered Bulls consecutive victories for the first time since a four-game winning streak from Jan. 18-24.


Tre Jones scored 31 points to key Thursday’s 119-108 victory against the Wizards, including a 12-for-12 effort from the free-throw line.

“We knew they were going to come out and try to get us back from the other night, you know. They answered the bell early, but in the second half, we came out ready to play, hit them in the mouth again and then finished down the stretch,” Jones said.

He has scored at least 20 points in three successive games for the first time in his career.

The Bulls hope to maintain their scoring balance against the Magic. Collin Sexton chipped in 27 points against Washington while Leonard Miller scored a career-best 26 points to go with 11 rebounds.

Chicago this week fired president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley. The team’s top two scorers, Josh Giddey (strained left hamstring) and Matas Buzelis (lllness), missed Thursday’s game, in which the Bulls dressed just nine players.

Jett Howard (sprained left ankle) and Jonathan Isaac (sprained left knee) will miss Friday’s game for the Magic. Wagner wasn’t listed on the injury report; he injured his left leg in the third quarter against Minnesota but returned to the floor.

“Pretty quickly, though, it all felt normal and we checked everything,” Wagner said. “I think it’s important to be out there and get some confidence and play a couple minutes more.”

Orlando is 7-3 in the past 10 meetings with Chicago, but the Bulls can clinch the season series with a victory. Chicago took a 2-1 edge with a 121-114 home win on Jan. 2 and is trying for consecutive wins against Orlando for the first time since the 2021-22 season.

Sexton is shooting 50% from the floor, including 59.1% from long range, in his past five games vs. the Magic.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Magic #eager #continue #winning #ways #encounter #Bulls">Deadspin | Magic eager to continue winning ways in encounter vs. Bulls Apr 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) dunks during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images The Orlando Magic have climbed the Eastern Conference standings and have a chance to avoid the play-in tournament thanks to a late-season surge. Orlando enters Friday night’s visit to the Chicago Bulls on a four-game winning streak, its second-longest run of the season. Magic coach Jamahl Mosley used a starting lineup of Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. for the first time since Dec. 7 during Wednesday’s 132-120 home victory against Minnesota. Wherever Orlando (44-36) finishes in the standings, players like how the team has rallied ahead of the postseason. “Nobody wants to see us in a seven-game series,” center Goga Bitadze said. “That’s how we feel. We’ve got to prove it, but we’ve got to take care of business and wherever we end up, go from there.” With two games remaining, the Magic have clinched a postseason berth and hold a one-game edge on Philadelphia and Charlotte in the race for the No. 7 seed and are one game behind Atlanta for No. 6. The Nos. 7-10 seeds in each conference will take part in the play-in tournament. Chicago (31-49), meanwhile, is coming off a two-game road sweep of the NBA-worst Washington Wizards, giving the beleaguered Bulls consecutive victories for the first time since a four-game winning streak from Jan. 18-24. Tre Jones scored 31 points to key Thursday’s 119-108 victory against the Wizards, including a 12-for-12 effort from the free-throw line. “We knew they were going to come out and try to get us back from the other night, you know. They answered the bell early, but in the second half, we came out ready to play, hit them in the mouth again and then finished down the stretch,” Jones said. He has scored at least 20 points in three successive games for the first time in his career. The Bulls hope to maintain their scoring balance against the Magic. Collin Sexton chipped in 27 points against Washington while Leonard Miller scored a career-best 26 points to go with 11 rebounds. Chicago this week fired president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley. The team’s top two scorers, Josh Giddey (strained left hamstring) and Matas Buzelis (lllness), missed Thursday’s game, in which the Bulls dressed just nine players. Jett Howard (sprained left ankle) and Jonathan Isaac (sprained left knee) will miss Friday’s game for the Magic. Wagner wasn’t listed on the injury report; he injured his left leg in the third quarter against Minnesota but returned to the floor. “Pretty quickly, though, it all felt normal and we checked everything,” Wagner said. “I think it’s important to be out there and get some confidence and play a couple minutes more.” Orlando is 7-3 in the past 10 meetings with Chicago, but the Bulls can clinch the season series with a victory. Chicago took a 2-1 edge with a 121-114 home win on Jan. 2 and is trying for consecutive wins against Orlando for the first time since the 2021-22 season. Sexton is shooting 50% from the floor, including 59.1% from long range, in his past five games vs. the Magic. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Magic #eager #continue #winning #ways #encounter #Bulls

A clinical second-half display led by Joseph Sunny helped Sporting Club Delhi secure a commanding 3-0 victory over NorthEast United FC in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.

The win marks SCD’s second consecutive victory of the season, lifting it to eighth in the standings with eight points, while NEUFC slips to tenth with six points.

The contest began at a brisk pace, with NEUFC creating early pressure. Jithin MS tested Nora Fernandes inside the opening minute, while Bekey Oram’s curling cross nearly caught the goalkeeper off guard, forcing a sharp intervention. Its opponent responded with attempts of its own, as Mohammed Aimen and Devendra Murgaokar both tried their luck from distance.

Despite promising build-up play from both sides, neither team was able to find the cutting edge in the final third, and the teams went into the break locked at 0-0.

The tempo picked up after the restart, with both sides showing greater attacking intent. Jairo Samperio, introduced at half time, tested Fernandes from distance, while Aimen came close at the other end after a surging run into the box.

ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: East Bengal, Bruzon face Chennaiyin with hopes of a similar turn of fortunes as last time

The breakthrough arrived in the 65th minute through a well-crafted move. Aimen’s vision unlocked the host’s defence with a perfectly timed through ball to Joseph Sunny. The winger kept his composure to guide a precise finish into the far corner, giving the visitor a 1-0 lead.

SCD doubled its advantage just four minutes later with a moment of individual brilliance. Midfielder Abdul-Halik Hudu initiated the move with a lofted pass from deep, and Sunny timed his run to perfection, controlling the ball past his marker Dinesh before lifting a composed finish over the advancing Gurmeet Singh to make it 2-0.

It continued to dominate, and nearly added a third in the 73rd minute when Sunny turned provider, setting up Sourav K, whose powerful strike was denied by Gurmeet.

The third goal arrived in the 80th minute following a flowing team move. Ousmane Fane drove forward from midfield before combining with Sunny, who squared the ball to Aimen. The forward showed great composure, weaving past defenders before unleashing a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner to seal the result.

NEUFC continued to push for a response in the closing stages, with Lalrinzuala Hauhnar forcing a save from Fernandes, but the host was unable to find a breakthrough.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#ISL #Joseph #Sunnys #brace #powers #Sporting #Club #Delhi #victory #NorthEast #United">ISL 2025-26: Joseph Sunny’s brace powers Sporting Club Delhi to victory against NorthEast United FC A clinical second-half display led by Joseph Sunny helped Sporting Club Delhi secure a commanding 3-0 victory over NorthEast United FC in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.The win marks SCD’s second consecutive victory of the season, lifting it to eighth in the standings with eight points, while NEUFC slips to tenth with six points.The contest began at a brisk pace, with NEUFC creating early pressure. Jithin MS tested Nora Fernandes inside the opening minute, while Bekey Oram’s curling cross nearly caught the goalkeeper off guard, forcing a sharp intervention. Its opponent responded with attempts of its own, as Mohammed Aimen and Devendra Murgaokar both tried their luck from distance.Despite promising build-up play from both sides, neither team was able to find the cutting edge in the final third, and the teams went into the break locked at 0-0.The tempo picked up after the restart, with both sides showing greater attacking intent. Jairo Samperio, introduced at half time, tested Fernandes from distance, while Aimen came close at the other end after a surging run into the box.ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: East Bengal, Bruzon face Chennaiyin with hopes of a similar turn of fortunes as last timeThe breakthrough arrived in the 65th minute through a well-crafted move. Aimen’s vision unlocked the host’s defence with a perfectly timed through ball to Joseph Sunny. The winger kept his composure to guide a precise finish into the far corner, giving the visitor a 1-0 lead.SCD doubled its advantage just four minutes later with a moment of individual brilliance. Midfielder Abdul-Halik Hudu initiated the move with a lofted pass from deep, and Sunny timed his run to perfection, controlling the ball past his marker Dinesh before lifting a composed finish over the advancing Gurmeet Singh to make it 2-0.It continued to dominate, and nearly added a third in the 73rd minute when Sunny turned provider, setting up Sourav K, whose powerful strike was denied by Gurmeet.The third goal arrived in the 80th minute following a flowing team move. Ousmane Fane drove forward from midfield before combining with Sunny, who squared the ball to Aimen. The forward showed great composure, weaving past defenders before unleashing a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner to seal the result.NEUFC continued to push for a response in the closing stages, with Lalrinzuala Hauhnar forcing a save from Fernandes, but the host was unable to find a breakthrough.Published on Apr 10, 2026 #ISL #Joseph #Sunnys #brace #powers #Sporting #Club #Delhi #victory #NorthEast #United

ISL 2025-26: East Bengal, Bruzon face Chennaiyin with hopes of a similar turn of fortunes as last time

The breakthrough arrived in the 65th minute through a well-crafted move. Aimen’s vision unlocked the host’s defence with a perfectly timed through ball to Joseph Sunny. The winger kept his composure to guide a precise finish into the far corner, giving the visitor a 1-0 lead.

SCD doubled its advantage just four minutes later with a moment of individual brilliance. Midfielder Abdul-Halik Hudu initiated the move with a lofted pass from deep, and Sunny timed his run to perfection, controlling the ball past his marker Dinesh before lifting a composed finish over the advancing Gurmeet Singh to make it 2-0.

It continued to dominate, and nearly added a third in the 73rd minute when Sunny turned provider, setting up Sourav K, whose powerful strike was denied by Gurmeet.

The third goal arrived in the 80th minute following a flowing team move. Ousmane Fane drove forward from midfield before combining with Sunny, who squared the ball to Aimen. The forward showed great composure, weaving past defenders before unleashing a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner to seal the result.

NEUFC continued to push for a response in the closing stages, with Lalrinzuala Hauhnar forcing a save from Fernandes, but the host was unable to find a breakthrough.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#ISL #Joseph #Sunnys #brace #powers #Sporting #Club #Delhi #victory #NorthEast #United">ISL 2025-26: Joseph Sunny’s brace powers Sporting Club Delhi to victory against NorthEast United FC

A clinical second-half display led by Joseph Sunny helped Sporting Club Delhi secure a commanding 3-0 victory over NorthEast United FC in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.

The win marks SCD’s second consecutive victory of the season, lifting it to eighth in the standings with eight points, while NEUFC slips to tenth with six points.

The contest began at a brisk pace, with NEUFC creating early pressure. Jithin MS tested Nora Fernandes inside the opening minute, while Bekey Oram’s curling cross nearly caught the goalkeeper off guard, forcing a sharp intervention. Its opponent responded with attempts of its own, as Mohammed Aimen and Devendra Murgaokar both tried their luck from distance.

Despite promising build-up play from both sides, neither team was able to find the cutting edge in the final third, and the teams went into the break locked at 0-0.

The tempo picked up after the restart, with both sides showing greater attacking intent. Jairo Samperio, introduced at half time, tested Fernandes from distance, while Aimen came close at the other end after a surging run into the box.

ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: East Bengal, Bruzon face Chennaiyin with hopes of a similar turn of fortunes as last time

The breakthrough arrived in the 65th minute through a well-crafted move. Aimen’s vision unlocked the host’s defence with a perfectly timed through ball to Joseph Sunny. The winger kept his composure to guide a precise finish into the far corner, giving the visitor a 1-0 lead.

SCD doubled its advantage just four minutes later with a moment of individual brilliance. Midfielder Abdul-Halik Hudu initiated the move with a lofted pass from deep, and Sunny timed his run to perfection, controlling the ball past his marker Dinesh before lifting a composed finish over the advancing Gurmeet Singh to make it 2-0.

It continued to dominate, and nearly added a third in the 73rd minute when Sunny turned provider, setting up Sourav K, whose powerful strike was denied by Gurmeet.

The third goal arrived in the 80th minute following a flowing team move. Ousmane Fane drove forward from midfield before combining with Sunny, who squared the ball to Aimen. The forward showed great composure, weaving past defenders before unleashing a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner to seal the result.

NEUFC continued to push for a response in the closing stages, with Lalrinzuala Hauhnar forcing a save from Fernandes, but the host was unable to find a breakthrough.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#ISL #Joseph #Sunnys #brace #powers #Sporting #Club #Delhi #victory #NorthEast #United

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