World Cup check-in: key stories from the USMNT's group stage opponents as the tournament looms

But there's been one bright spot in Atlanta this season, and that's Paraguayan midfielder Matias Galarza. The 24-year-old, on loan from Argentinian club River Plate, has revolutionized Atlanta's midfield and quickly become one of the team's most important players.

Galarza was expected to be a bit player in Paraguay's World Cup roster, but his newfound form may push him into the starting 11. A cosign from Atlanta coach Martino — the same man who led Paraguay to the World Cup quarterfinals way back in 2010 — goes a long, long way. 

Australia

A pre-World Cup home- Australia is kicking off its World Cup preparations early. The Socceroos are set to begin their pre-tournament camp in Sarasota, Fla., on May 7, a full five weeks before their opening game.

"We will use the pre-camp as an opportunity to observe and assess a number of players, with our first arrivals due this week," coach Tony Popovic said.

Returning veterans- And who are those first arrivals? Why, they're defender Harry Souttar, midfielder Mathew Leckie and striker Mitchell Duke, all veterans of the Socceroos' 2022 World Cup squad. None of the three seemed likely to make Popovic's 2026 squad a few weeks ago —Souttar, in particular, hasn't played in 15 months due to a lingering injury — but their inclusion in this pre-tournament camp changes that picture.

"There's a mental resilience you can't buy," Popovic said of the veterans. "There is presence, there is aura, there is a leader. You can't get that in a young player overnight."

Turkiye

A long-overdue championship- No player epitomizes the greatness of the Turkish national team quite like captain Hakan Calhanoglu. With 104 caps to his name, Calhanoglu simply is Turkiye, and one of the best things about seeing Turkiye qualify for this World Cup was realizing that Calhanoglu would finally get to play in one. He's been one of the finest midfielders in the world for the better part of a decade, and he deserves it.

Calhanoglu is officially entering the World Cup on a high: his Inter Milan side just captured its 21st Italian championship in grand style. With four games remaining in the Italian season, that means Calhanoglu can rest and recover in time for Turkiye's World Cup to begin.

Questions about a superstar- While Calhanoglu is Turkiye's captain, Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler is its superstar ... and he's closing out his club season with an untimely hamstring pull.

Guler is expected to miss the rest of Madrid's 2025-26 season, but sources close to the player believe he'll be fully recovered in time for Turkiye's trip to the States.