For the playoff tournament teams, the confederation restrictions will be applied to all teams involved in the playoff, which would keep the host nations from drawing a team involved in the FIFA playoff tournament due to Jamaica and Suriname being involved as Concacaf teams.

The United States’ path through its home World Cup will become clear over the next 24 hours. The Americans already know more than most teams entering Friday’s World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.

World Cup draws have always been a dramatic part of soccer's tapestry. This one could go a lot of ways for the U.S. team, and for fans in Philadelphia waiting to see which teams will come to town.

For our preview on the inter-confederation playoffs, click here.

As Pulisic chases form at Milan and the 2026 World Cup edges closer, Lalas’ comments arrive at a moment when the American winger is shaping the global soccer landscape in unique ways.

The two icons slammed Pulisic and a slew of other American stars for skipping last summer’s Gold Cup, questioning the commitment of the current generation. The AC Milan winger fired back and even snubbed Donovan and Dempsey when naming his dream USMNT five-a-side team.

Despite the win, Pochettino was not happy after the match against Uruguay when he was asked about players not on the roster, specifically those who play in Europe, such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and others.