Ever since the World Cup draw was conducted last December, the dates and times of the United States’ three Group D games have been etched on the calendars of national team fans.However, dotted across the schedule over the remainder of the group stage are a selection of games that no attentive USMNT fan should miss, given the impact they could have on the fate of Mauricio Pochettino’s team.From group rivals to potential knockout stage opponent previews, several fixtures already stand out as fitting into the must-see category beyond the high-profile games that all neutrals will want to catch.Starting with a Saturday clash that will do much to influence how much pressure is placed on the USMNT in Group D, here is The Athletic’s watchlist of what matters to the Americans, even when they’ve got their feet up in front of the team hotel TV screens.(For up-to-the-second probabilities and scenarios for the USMNT and all World Cup participants, check out The Athletic’s World Cup tracker)1. Australia vs. TurkeyVancouver; Saturday, June 13, 12 a.m. ETIf there is one non-U.S. group-stage match that deserves top billing, it’s this late night matchup on Canada’s West Coast. Those on the east will be burning the midnight oil, but it’ll be worthwhile.Not only could it decide who emerges as the biggest challenger to the U.S., but it also features one of the tournament’s most exciting young stars in Turkey’s Arda Güler. The Real Madrid midfielder is expected to be the creative heartbeat of a Turkish side many view as a dark horse.Australia, meanwhile, has become one of the most consistent World Cup nations outside football’s traditional powers. The Socceroos have reached six consecutive tournaments and arrive looking to build on their round-of-16 appearance in Qatar, when they pushed eventual champion Argentina to the end.With both teams eyeing a place in the knockout rounds, this opener is important and — for U.S. fans — this is a crucial game to watch.The USMNT must still play both teams, and this clash will provide valuable input about what they are coming up against.2. Turkey vs. ParaguaySan Francisco Bay Area; Friday, June 19, 11 p.m. ETIf Australia vs. Turkey sets the tone for Group D, this match could define it.Coming hours after the USMNT’s second game, Paraguay will be on a mission to rescue its campaign following a 4-1 defeat to the U.S. on Friday, while the picture regarding the two automatic qualifiers (who could potentially be joined by a third-place team) will surely start coming into focus.Win, lose or draw earlier in the day, the USMNT will surely be keeping a close eye on this one.3. Paraguay vs. AustraliaSan Francisco Bay Area; Thursday, June 25, 10 p.m. ETFinal matchdays always produce drama, and this one has the potential to deliver plenty.The dream scenario for the USMNT is that by then it will have control of the group’s top spot. If not, this game that takes place at the same time as the Americans’ meeting with Turkey, would become mandatory “second screen” viewing and have a direct influence on what comes next for the cohosts.