USMNT clinches – The U.S. men’s national team locked in a spot in the World Cup round of 32 after beating Australia 2-0 on Friday, June 19. Alex Freeman scored, and an Australia own goal added a cushion—while the U.S. eyes the Group D finish ahead of its June 25 match vs. Turk
SEATTLE — For a U.S. team that had just beaten Paraguay 4-1 in its tournament opener, Friday’s 2-0 win over Australia carried a familiar feeling: control, urgency, and a result that didn’t leave much room for doubt.
The U.S. men’s national team clinched a spot in the World Cup knockout stage after defeating Australia 2-0 on Friday, June 19. The scoring came from Alex Freeman, with Folarin Balogun contributing to a second goal that included an Australia own goal, securing three more points in Group D.
The win kept the U.S. moving forward with momentum. After the earlier 4-1 win against Paraguay, the USMNT now has six points from its first two matches. It is also the first time since 1930 that the U.S. has started the World Cup with back-to-back wins.
Where the U.S. finishes in Group D still depends on what happens next. If Turkey loses or draws against Paraguay later on Friday, then the U.S. will clinch Group D with a game left to play.
The U.S. will close out group play against Turkey on Thursday, June 25, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The result of that match could determine seeding, even after the round-of-32 qualification is already secured.
The bigger backdrop is the tournament itself. The 2026 World Cup is the largest ever, and the U.S. is beginning it in Group D. The United States enters ranked No. 16 in the FIFA World Rankings.
The sequence in Group D is now clear enough to feel: win the first match 4-1 over Paraguay. follow it with a 2-0 win over Australia. and suddenly the knockout picture tightens even before the final group game. The remaining question is no longer whether the U.S. advances—it’s how comfortably the team can finish group play and how the final standings shake out.
The U.S. World Cup schedule
June 12: USA 4-1 Paraguay, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif.
June 19: USA 2-0 Australia, Lumen Field, Seattle
June 25: USA vs Turkey, 10 p.m. ET, Sofi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif.
U.S. group-stage matches are set to continue with broadcast options including streaming availability on Fubo or the Fox One App. Spanish language broadcasts are available on Telemundo and Peacock.
U.S. World Cup roster
Goalkeepers: Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Matt Turner (New England Revolution)
Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergiño Dest (PSV), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Celtic)
Midfielders: Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen)
Forwards: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Tim Weah (Olympique Marseille), Haji Wright (Coventry City), Alejandro Zendejas (Club América)
U.S. World Cup history
The U.S. national team is back in the World Cup for the 12th time after last qualifying in 2022. The country’s best result in the tournament is a third place finish in 1930.
How did USA qualify for the World Cup?
USA, ranked No. 16 in the FIFA Men’s World Rankings, earned a berth in the 2026 World Cup as hosts.
Where is the USA national team base camp?
Great Park – Irvine, CA.
USMNT World Cup 2026 Group D Australia Paraguay Turkey Alex Freeman Folarin Balogun round of 32 SoFi Stadium Lumen Field