USA trash Australia 2-0 to book their place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup- Photo credit: X media
SHARE
The United States booked their place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Australia 2-0 in Seattle, becoming the second team after Mexico to advance to the next round, Softfootball reports.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side continued their perfect start to the tournament following their opening 4-1 victory over Paraguay, with another disciplined performance helping them maintain their position at the top of Group D with six points.
The USA took the lead in the 11th minute when Folarin Balogun’s cut-back was turned into his own net by Australia defender Cameron Burgess. It marked the second consecutive World Cup match where the Americans benefited from an opponent’s own goal.
Australia struggled to create clear opportunities, and despite a triple substitution at halftime from manager Tony Popovic, they were unable to seriously test goalkeeper Matt Freese.
The United States doubled their advantage through Alex Freeman, who reacted quickest inside the box to finish after Sergiño Dest’s deflected effort from a corner. The goal was initially ruled offside but was awarded after a VAR review.
USA trash Australia 2-0 to book their place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup- Photo credit: FIFA media
Chris Richards delivered another impressive defensive display as the USA secured a clean sheet and reached the knockout stage with one group game still remaining — a first in the nation’s men’s World Cup history.
With FIFA’s new head-to-head tiebreaker rules in place, the United States are guaranteed to finish either first or second in Group D and will now focus on their final group match.
