🔄 Updated June 20, 01:50
The USA convincingly defeated Australia 2:0 in a Group D match at Seattle Stadium, and following Mexico, secured their place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. Mauricio Pochettino's side claimed their second consecutive victory — without the injured Christian Pulisic.
USA — Australia 2:0: How it happened
The Americans opened the scoring as early as the 11th minute: a dangerous cross from Folarin Balogun into the penalty area forced Australian defender Cameron Burgess to put the ball into his own net. Australia had no time to recover — on the 43rd minute, Alex Freeman headed home a driven ball from Sergino Dest following a corner, with VAR confirming the goal after an offside check. The 2:0 scoreline at half-time effectively decided the outcome of the match.
In the second half, Australia had one real chance on the counter-attack, but the USA comfortably saw the game out to the final whistle. The Australians finished the match with two yellow cards — Jordan Bos (16') and Alessandro Circati (32').
After the match, Alex Freeman told Fox Sports the goal was "a very emotional moment" and thanked his teammates. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino declared: "The players were amazing" — and joined in the chants of the fans in the stadium.
Tournament implications
The USA collected 6 points from 6 and advanced early to the Round of 32 — the second team to do so after Mexico. Australia (3 points) still have a chance to qualify, but will face Turkey in the final round. Pulisic, according to Pochettino, was unable to play due to swelling from an injury, but is expected to return.
Matches currently underway
At 01:00 Kyiv time, the Group C match Scotland — Morocco kicked off (Gillette Stadium, Boston). At 01:30 — Brazil — Haiti (Philadelphia). The results of these matches will be in the morning digest.
At 22:00 Kyiv time, the key Group D match of the 2026 World Cup between hosts USA and Australia kicked off at Lumen Field in Seattle. At the time of this edition's publication (22:45 Kyiv time), the match was not yet finished — the final result will be in the morning digest.
Main story of the evening: Pulisic is out
Before the match, a major blow to the USA's squad was confirmed: Christian Pulisic did not take the field due to a calf injury. Ricardo Pepi started in place of the team captain from the first minute. This was confirmed by head coach Mauricio Pochettino in conversation with Fox Sports journalists before the match.
Pulisic is the Americans' key player at this World Cup. His absence was a real test for the team, which had already claimed a convincing win over Paraguay (4:1) in the first round.
Match context
Both teams came into this fixture with maximum points: the USA beat Paraguay 4:1, while Australia defeated Turkey 2:0 (goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe). A win in this match would have virtually guaranteed the victor a place in the playoffs.
Matches currently underway
USA — Australia (kick-off 22:00 Kyiv time, Seattle) — match in progress. Results in the morning digest.
Also scheduled for the night of June 20: Scotland — Morocco (01:00), Brazil — Haiti (03:30), Turkey — Paraguay (06:00) — all times Kyiv. Results of these matches will be in the morning edition.
Photo: NBC News · Editorial (source)
