U.S. seals Round of 32 with 2-0 vs Australia

USMNT vs – Christian Pulisic’s calf injury forced Mauricio Pochettino into a major lineup change, but the U.S. still beat Australia 2-0 at Lumen Field in Seattle on Friday, June 19—clinching a spot in the Round of 32. An 11th-minute own goal by Cameron Burgess and a 44th

The moment the match kicked off at Lumen Field in Seattle on Friday, June 19, the U.S. looked ready to strike again. It didn’t just carry over from the opening game—it flipped the pressure back onto Australia almost immediately.

Christian Pulisic was ruled out with a calf injury, and Mauricio Pochettino made one massive change from the lineup that opened the tournament. Instead of the usual shape, he turned to a two-striker setup, bringing in Ricardo Pepi to play alongside Folarin Balogun up top.

The early script still played out the same way for the Americans. The U.S. got off to a fast start once again. forcing another own goal from Australia’s Cameron Burgess in the 11th minute. The U.S. controlled most of the first half, piling on pressure and maintaining possession as the match stayed tilted in their favor.

That dominance translated into a second goal before halftime. In the 44th minute. Alex Freeman scored by tapping in a deflection. and the play required VAR to overturn an offside call. Coming out of the break. Australia worked their way into the match more as it pressed for a goal. but the U.S. held firm defensively and kept them at bay.

The final 45 minutes turned into something more combative—chippy and combative—but Pochettino’s side prevailed and punched their ticket to the knockout rounds. The win guarantees the USA a spot in the Round of 32.

The U.S. will close out group stage play against Turkey on Thursday, June 25 in California.

GK: Matt Freese – 6.5
Freese was credited with two saves, both routine, and he’s still yet to be tested with difficult moments.

RWB: Sergiño Dest – 7
Dest had an up-and-down day on the flank, but it came with real payoff. He caused many issues for Australia, and his attacking work was sharper—he repeatedly penetrated into the box and created chances.

RCB: Alex Freeman – 8.5
Freeman delivered another mature performance defensively and in the build-up. He was rewarded with an unforgettable World Cup moment: his goal, which also required VAR after an offside call. He’s proving to be one of the breakout stars of the team.

CCB: Chris Richards – 8
Richards was in the middle of everything, dealing with what came his way whether it was in the air or tracking runners. His value has been clear in a back line that’s been asked to handle plenty.

LCB: Tim Ream – 7
Ream’s biggest challenge—being susceptible to Australia’s pace on counter-attacks—showed up only once or twice. On the ball, he was extremely clean in possession and helped organize the defense, earning the U.S. its first clean sheet in nearly nine months.

LWB: Antonee Robinson – 6.5
Robinson saw Australia’s right back stress all day, but his attacking impact was less than what it was against Paraguay. The U.S. attack also seemed more focused toward the right side.

CM: Tyler Adams – 7
Adams kept making the kind of disruptive plays that define tournament soccer. He threw his body in front of a shot in the box and flew into tackles, continuing to embody the spirit of this team on the field.

CM: Weston McKennie – 7
McKennie, the team’s “Swiss Army Knife,” did it all again. Wherever he showed up, he contributed something positive on both ends.

CM: Malik Tillman – 7.5
Tillman turned in another impressive shift in midfield, especially with his willingness to work hard to win the ball high up the field and help create chances. His work rate has been second to none so far in the tournament.

ST: Folarin Balogun – 7
Balogun’s pace did the damage early—his speed forced the early own goal. He also had a few very good chances to add to his tally but couldn’t finish them. His hold-up play stood out as a key part of the U.S. game.

ST: Ricardo Pepi – 6.5
Pepi was the surprise in the starting lineup, and he offered some good hold-up play that helped link midfield and attack. He didn’t get a chance on goal, but he played the role he was asked to play by helping those around him.

Sub: Sebastian Berhalter – 5.5
Berhalter looked a bit sloppy on the ball in the few big chances he had to make an impact.

Sub: Joe Scally – 6
Scally did well helping shut Australia down on the flanks.

Sub: Auston Trusty – 6
Trusty brought energy and size, helping the U.S. deal with the added pressure from Australia as it pushed for a goal.

Sub: Gio Reyna – NR
A stoppage-time sub.

Sub: Haji Wright – NR
A stoppage-time sub.

USMNT Australia World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Mauricio Pochettino Christian Pulisic injury Ricardo Pepi Folarin Balogun Alex Freeman Sergiño Dest Tim Ream Tyler Adams Malik Tillman Lumen Field Seattle Turkey match June 25