The United States have sealed their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup after beating Australia 2-0 with a dominant performance at raucous Lumen Field in Seattle.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side started fast, despite the absence of talisman Christian Pulisic due to injury, and an own goal from Australia’s Cameron Burgess following a good run from Folarin Balogun gave the hosts lift-off.
Alex Freeman then nodded in the USA’s second just before half-time, after the defender was played onside and the goal was allowed to stand following a VAR review. Things got a little heated late on, with a furry of yellow cards, before the referee pulled up with cramp.
As victories over Paraguay and Australia make it two wins from two, the USA are guaranteed to advance to the knockout stages. The USA would be confirmed as group winners if Turkey fail to beat Paraguay later in Group D.
Follow all the action from Seattle below
USA vs Australia LIVE
- USA into World Cup knockout stages after beating Australia
- USA will go through as group winners if Turkey fail to beat Paraguay later
- 88' BOOKING! Heated end to match as referee shows three yellow cards in quick succession [USA 2-0 AUS]
- 45' GOAL! Alex Freeman played onside as defender heads in second on line [USA 2-0 AUS]
- 11' OWN GOAL! Folarin Balogun's run forces Cameron Burgess to boot into own net [USA 1-0 AUS]
Meet Folarin Balogun, the accidental American leading USA’s World Cup charge
07:00 , Lawrence Ostlere
There is little evidence about Folarin Balogun’s political beliefs and we should resist the urge to assign some. But there is a delicious irony in his emergence as the hero of USA’s opening World Cup 2026 games. At a time when Donald Trump’s administration is actively using the tournament to flaunt its strong-arm approach to border control, flexing against fans, players, staff and even celebrated Somali referees, a Londoner of Nigerian heritage seems like the poster boy for a very different story of America.
Balogun’s parents were living in London when they took a holiday to New York in the summer of 2001. The trip proved fateful: airline attendants refused to allow his mother on the flight home after they noticed she was seven months pregnant. They were forced to stay in New York and Folarin Jerry Balogun was born in Brooklyn on 3 July.
Baby Balogun was automatically granted US citizenship under the country’s birthright citizenship laws, based on the 14th amendment to the US Constitution, laws that the Trump administration is attempting to rewrite. Had Balogun’s birth fallen under the president’s new proposals, the US would not have had their star striker at their disposal.
Folarin Balogun is the American American leading USA’s World Cup charge
Win a copy of Miguel Delaney’s States of Play
06:00 , Will Castle
If you’ve ever wondered who really owns and controls football, now’s your chance to find out.
Miguel Delaney, The Independent’s chief football writer, takes readers inside the game in the latest paperback edition of States of Play: How Sportswashing Took Over Football, released in August 2025.
To celebrate the World Cup, The Independent is giving away 10 copies of the paperback edition.
This competition is open exclusively to members of the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter. To enter, simply join HERE before 12pm on 1 July.
Miguel’s weekly newsletter includes:
- An agenda-setting column, diving into the real story behind a big football theme
- Behind-the-scenes updates from reporting trips, including the World Cup
- Access to weekly Q&As, where your questions can be featured
- Snippets of insider knowledge from sources, offering a deeper view beyond the headlines
New Inside Football members can enjoy their first month FREE. After that, membership costs just £3 per month or £30 per year. Join HERE.
Win a copy of Miguel Delaney’s States of Play with his Inside Football newsletter
US join Mexico in the knockouts
05:00 , Will Castle
PUNCHING OUR TICKET. 👊 pic.twitter.com/zzKCRSqPVI
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 19, 2026
Turkey vs Paraguay kicking off
04:00 , Will Castle
It’s the wee hours of the morning for UK viewers, but in the United States fans will be watching intently as Turkey face Paraguay, which kicks off right about now.
If Turkey fail to win, the US will go through to the knockouts as group leaders.
All is explained below:
Who could USA play in World Cup knockouts and when would it be?
More from Popovich
03:00 , Will Castle
"Every game is different,” Australia boss Tony Popovich said. “We had a lot of fatigued bodies in the first half both physically and mentally.
“The second half was outstanding and we have to build on that.
"I wouldn't say today was the best day for the referees, but overall we weren't good enough in the first half.
“You've go to hand it to them [the USA], they are very strong."
Pochettino hails first-half display
02:00 , Will Castle
"I think it was a fantastic game again, very good first half,” Mauricio Pochettino said.
“I think we dominated the game against a very tough team. When the draw happened in December I thought it was really difficult, a really tough game."
Australia boss blasts performance
01:00 , Will Castle
"I don't know if it was the occasion but we looked sluggish and heavy-legged,” Tony Popovich said. “They were quicker and more powerful.
“They won every duel and every second ball. When they do that it makes it difficult to gain any momentum.
"We conceded two soft goals but I thought the reaction second half was outstanding.
“[Against] the noise here, the host nation, the players showed how good they were in the second half but you can't give away that much in the first half at this level."
USA v Australia referee Felix Zwayer pulls up with cramp towards end of World Cup match
00:00 , Will Castle
Experienced World Cup referee Felix Zwayer pulled up with cramp towards the end of the USA’s win over Australia in Seattle.
The German official, 45, required help from both the USA’s Folarin Balogun and Australia's Aiden O'Neill, who stretched out his left leg after Zwayer fell to the turf.
Zwayer had just brandished a flurry of yellow cards at the end of what was a dominant victory for the USA at Lumen Field.
USA v Australia referee pulls up with cramp towards end of World Cup match
No Pulisic, no problem!
23:45 , Will Castle
"Always difficult because we want to have all the players fit,” Mauricio Pochettino said on the absence of Christian Pulisic.
“He's an important player for us but that is a team. It was impossible for him today to play. We hope that next game he will be available but if we want to win the competition we need the whole team.
"All of the players need to be important but of course Christian is one of the best players in the world and I hope that he can recover as soon as possible and can show it on the pitch and help the team."
USA’s route at World Cup as group runners-up
23:30 , Will Castle
If Turkey beat USA to Group D, which they can do by winning their remaining two fixtures, the USA would play the runner-up of Group G in the last-32. Group G contains Belgium, Iran, New Zealand and Egypt. As runners-up, the USA’s last-32 match would take place at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday 3 July.
Should the USA progress to the last-16 as runners-up, they would then face either the winner of Group J or the runner-up of Group H. Group J contains Argentina, Austria, Jordan and Algeria; Group H contains Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde. It would be played in at the Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta on Wednesday 7 July.
USA’s route at World Cup as group winners
23:15 , Will Castle
If the USA win Group D, they would play one of the third-placed teams who advance to the last-32. Their opponent would either come from Group B, Group E, Group F, Group I or Group J. As it stands, that’s set to be Bosnia-Herzegovina - but that is likely to change by the end of the group stages.
As Group D winners, the USA would head to Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara for their last-32 match on Wednesday 1 July. That’s the home of the San Francisco 49ers, known as the Bay Area Stadium for the purposes of the World Cup.
Should the USA progress to the last-16, they would then play either the winner of Group G or another of the third-placed teams who progress to the knockout stages. Group G contains Belgium, Iran, New Zealand and Egypt. If the USA play in that match, they would return to Lumen Field, Seattle on Tuesday 6 July.
Scotland vs Morocco LIVE!
22:59 , Will Castle
It might just be time to re-tune your sets because Scotland’s second World Cup game is just about to get underway!
They face Morocco after getting off to a winning start in Boston against Haiti.
Click below for live coverage - or stick around for more reaction from the USA’s win!
Scotland vs Morocco LIVE: World Cup team news and latest updates
Wayne Rooney: 'Deserved win for USA'
22:45 , Will Castle
“The second half wasn't great but USA did their job in the first half,” Rooney said on BBC’s coverage.
“Australia got back into the game, they huffed and puffed, they couldn't get a goal to put a bit more pressure on the USA. Deserved win.”
How can USA end the night as group winners?
22:30 , Will Castle
Mauricio Pochettino’s side are top of Group D and are all but through to the knockout stages.
But it could even better for them, as their status as Group D winners will be secured if Turkey fail to beat Paraguay in the later game this evening.
The USA play Turkey next in their final Group D fixture - on Thursday 25 June in Los Angeles.
So if Turkey win later, their meeting with the USA in LA will determine who tops the group.
Pochettino getting the American love
22:19 , Will Castle
“Poch-et-tin-o!” chants rain on on the USA boss as he does his post-match interview on the pitch.
"Amazing,” he said. “I was saying yesterday Argentina have amazing fans but I think we are matching Argentina. Our fans, I'm so happy for them."
He’s taken them to the knockouts!
USA beat Australia to seal place in knockouts
22:15 , Will Castle
FULL-TIME! USA 2-0 Australia
22:06 , Will Castle
The United States have sealed their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup after beating Australia 2-0 with a dominant performance at raucous Lumen Field in Seattle.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side started fast, despite the absence of talisman Christian Pulisic due to injury, and an own goal from Australia’s Cameron Burgess following a good run from Folarin Balogun gave the hosts lift-off.
Alex Freeman then nodded in the USA’s second just before half-time, after the defender was played onside and the goal was allowed to stand following a VAR review. Things got a little heated late on, with a furry of yellow cards, before the referee pulled up with cramp.
As victories over Paraguay and Australia make it two wins from two, the USA are guaranteed to advance to the knockout stages. The USA would be confirmed as group winners if Turkey fail to beat Paraguay later in Group D.
FULL-TIME! USA 2-0 Australia
22:04 , Will Castle
For just the second time in their history, the USA begin a World Cup with consecutive wins - they are in the knockouts!
USA 2-0 Australia
22:03 , Will Castle
90+6 mins: Balogun hasn’t scored today but he comes up to a huge cheer as his number is held up. On comes Wright as well as Reyna, who replaces McKennie.
USA 2-0 Australia
22:02 , Will Castle
90+5 mins: After one of his assistants sprints over to give him a special drink while his leg gets stretched out, he’s back up to a big cheer.
Moving a bit gingerly, that said.
USA 2-0 Australia
22:00 , Will Castle
90+4 mins: The referee has just gone down with cramp. Quality.
USA 2-0 Australia
22:00 , Will Castle
90+2 mins: CHANCE! An opportunity to put the icing on the cake.
The US have a two-v-one but the pass across the box has too much weight and it runs away.
USA 2-0 Australia
21:56 , Will Castle
90+1 mins: Six minutes added on - that’s what separates the US and place in the World Cup knockouts.
USA 2-0 Australia
21:56 , Will Castle
88 mins: It’s all getting a bit feisty.
It starts with a little coming together between Balogun and Souttar, who wraps his arms around the Aussie jumping for a header. Balogun is smiling, Souttar looks seething.
The referee tries to calm things down as all the players get into it, but out of the picture the crowd reacts as Trusty goes down under contact from Italiano.
It results in the triple yellow being waved: Souttar, Balogun and Italiano all into the book.
USA 2-0 Australia
21:52 , Will Castle
85 mins: CHANCE! The US switch off completely as Australia send it back in from the corner, with it being knocked back by Souttar at the back post into a very dangerous area.
Australian bodies flail legs at the ball but instead the most significant contact is made on Richards as the whistle blows for a foul.
Big chance to make this a contest late on.
USA 2-0 Australia
21:50 , Will Castle
84 mins: Australia want a penalty after Irankunda goes down under the challenge of Richards. There’s a bit of contact but it won’t be enough for VAR to award it.
USA 2-0 Australia
21:49 , Will Castle
83 mins: Great ball from Metcalfe that runs all the way through to the back post, but no Australia player took the risk to be there and it runs out for a goal kick.
USA 2-0 Australia
21:47 , Will Castle
81 mins: Into the final 10 minutes in Seattle. Australia are in possession in the US half and need something soon to make the climax of this game interesting.
USA 2-0 Australia
21:45 , Will Castle
78 mins: Well, what’s happened here...
Volpato hits the deck and rolls around covering his face, and the referee dashes over to see what’s happened.
Replays show that Robinson accidentally brushed his flailing hand across the face of the Aussie, who then went down hard.
“I always find it bizarre when you get a tap in the face but your legs don’t work,” says Danny Murphy. Nothing in that.
USA 2-0 Australia
21:41 , Will Castle
74 mins: Irankunda clatters into the back of Ream to garner a reaction from the crowd, and the break in play allows the US to make their first substitution.
Ricardo Pepi is off for Sebastian Berhalter. The Fulham target is replaced by the London-born midfielder.
USA 2-0 Australia
21:38 , Will Castle
71 mins: “Living On A Prayer” echoes around Lumen Field as the fans entertain themselves during the hydration break.
“This is a step up from the opening game,” says BBC co-commentator Danny Murphy on the atmosphere.
USA 2-0 Australia
21:35 , Will Castle
68 mins: Hydration break time, part two.
USA 2-0 Australia
21:33 , Will Castle
66 mins: And it’s another decent chance for the Socceroos!
Adams hooks his clearance and gives it straight to an Australia shirt, with Metcalfe then letting fly and forcing Freese into a low save.
The Aussies are showing some sort of fight... or is it the US showing signs of capitulation?
USA 2-0 Australia
21:31 , Will Castle
64 mins: U-S-A chants are breaking out after the first real scare for the home fans. This game seems like a simple one to see out for the Americans - but it can all change with one goal. That chance was a wake-up call.
USA 2-0 Australia
21:30 , Will Castle
62 mins: CHANCE! Volpato straight into the action with Australia’s best chance of the game!
It’s cut back to the substitute by Irankunda who darted into the box, but he leans back and fires well over.
That was the opportunity to give the US something to think about; it’s been wasted.
USA 2-0 Australia
21:28 , Will Castle
61 mins: Leckie goes off for Volpato and you feel that could be World Cup over for the 35-year-old.
USA 2-0 Australia
21:26 , Will Castle
60 mins: Sorry, no they don’t. It’s overturned by VAR after coming off Irankunda instead of Ream. Maybe that’ll count as an attempt.
And it goes from bad to worse for Australia as veteran Leckie goes down holding his hamstring.
USA 2-0 Australia
21:25 , Will Castle
59 mins: Worth noting as we approach the hour mark, Australia haven’t had a shot since the 12th minute.
They do, however, have a corner.
USA 2-0 Australia
21:23 , Will Castle
56 mins: Yellow card for Robinson after catching his man late with a flailing leg which sends him flying. The supporters boo but he can’t have any complaints.
USA 2-0 Australia
21:21 , Will Castle
54 mins: And now the two parties of that Balogun chance, the US striker and Circati, have gone down after a clash of heads.
Circati comes off worse, but looks like he’ll be OK.
USA 2-0 Australia
21:19 , Will Castle
53 mins: We’ve had two more USA corners since that Balogun chance. They’re knocking on the door.
USA 2-0 Australia
21:19 , Will Castle
51 mins: CHANCE! Balogun is set free on goal and in his form, you expect him to sprint away and bury it...
But his second touch is poor and it allows Circati to recover and put in a vital challenge to send it away for a corner.
USA 2-0 Australia
21:16 , Will Castle
49 mins: The US have started this second half in complete control, when Australia really needed a fast start.
If they win tonight and Turkey don’t beat Paraguay, then the US won’t just seal a place in the knockouts; they’ll top the group.
BACK UNDERWAY! USA 2-0 Australia
21:12 , Will Castle
We are back underway - eventually, with a false start forcing the ball back to the centre-circle.
It’s a TRIPLE change for Australia. Own-goalscorer Burgess is off Beria, Metcalfe comes on for Velupillay and Watford sensation Irankunda replaces Toure.
They very much need the 20-year-old’s spark right about now.
Changes coming for Australia
21:10 , Will Castle
The teams are back out and Australia are preparing a couple substitutions...
Change is needed, that’s for sure.
Wayne Rooney: 'USA have been excellent, Australia have been awful'
21:08 , Will Castle
“I think USA have been excellent and Australia have been awful,” Wayne Rooney said on BBC’s coverage.
“It was what we spoke about before the game - USA's high press, winning the ball back in high areas. Australia are very deep and they've got no outlet.
“Leaving the two wide men, the two goalscorers from the last game out has meant they've got no outlet, nowhere to go. USA keep winning the ball back and keep going back at them.”
HALF-TIME! USA 2-0 Australia
21:07 , Will Castle
HALF-TIME! USA 2-0 Australia
21:03 , Will Castle
The United States are flying at their home World Cup and are well on course for the knockouts as they lead Australia 2-0 at half-time.
They took an early lead through an own goal from Cameron Burgess, who knocked into his own net after a surging drive from man of the moment Folarin Balogun.
That was doubled when Alex Freeman’s header, pouncing on a looping deflected strike from Serginho Dest, was given after a lengthy VAR check, with it initially being ruled out for offside.
This US side really look in their pomp. A huge mountain to climb for the Socceroos.
HALF-TIME! USA 2-0 Australia
20:55 , Will Castle
Complete and utter dominance from the US, who are in control at the break!
USA 2-0 Australia
20:53 , Will Castle
45+7 mins: One last opening at goal for the US before half-time as Dest fires from the edge of the box, but his effort isn’t far enough in the corner.
USA 2-0 Australia
20:52 , Will Castle
45+5 mins: Australia, to their credit, are pressing the US right until the final whistle of this first half when the hosts are passing around the back.
It’s down the other end that they’re having real trouble.
USA 2-0 Australia
20:48 , Will Castle
45+1 mins: Seven minutes added on, and Australia will be desperate for that to pass quickly. They need half-time.
GOAL GIVEN! USA 2-0 Australia (Freeman, 45')
20:46 , Will Castle
LUMEN FIELD ERUPTS!
Alex Freeman is ONSIDE and the goal stands!
Australia have a huge mountain to climb.
NO GOAL! USA 1-0 Australia
20:45 , Will Castle
44 mins: The US have the ball in the net after Freeman heads home from Dest’s deflected strike - but the flag goes up!
It is tight... and it’s getting checked by VAR.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:44 , Will Castle
43 mins: These are nervy moments for Australia late in the half - the US are driving at yellow shirts and have a free-kick on the right...
USA 1-0 Australia
20:43 , Will Castle
41 mins: It was Freeman and Okon-Engstler who collided but both men are back on their feet and good to continue, thankfully. Applause rings around Lumen Field.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:40 , Will Castle
39 mins: Nasty clash of heads sees a USA and Australia player left on the deck. Not entirely sure who as the broadcast quickly cut to a live angle.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:37 , Will Castle
36 mins: Balogun is feeling himself out there. He does really well to get a hold of the ball in the box which came at him knee high, before pulling out back-to-back roulettes. He trips over the second one, but who cares. Great to watch.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:34 , Will Castle
32 mins: Circati becomes the second Australian to go into the book as he rakes his studs down Balogun’s calf.
The free-kick comes to nothing.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:32 , Will Castle
31 mins: Another threatening moment from a USA corner as it’s whipped dangerously close to Richards’ head.
Freeman then shows off his work rate to win a throw on the other side.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:30 , Will Castle
27 mins: And we’re off again.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:26 , Will Castle
24 mins: Another nervy moment for the US comes from a corner as a header loops back into a dangerous area, but an American body is able to knock it behind.
The second corner results in a foul before the ball even reaches the box.
Hydration break time. It’s met with boos from the crowd. I thought Americans were used to four quarters?
USA 1-0 Australia
20:24 , Will Castle
23 mins: Better from Australia. They relieve a bit of pressure for the first time in a while and move it down the right, before Leckie whips in a superb low cross aiming for a yellow shirt.
Freeman does brilliantly to get a cross and knock it for a corner.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:23 , Will Castle
21 mins: Australia are really rocking at the back. They lose it twice in quick succession to give the US opportunities, the latter falling to man of the moment Balogun whose effort on the spin is blocked.
They need to get out.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:22 , Will Castle
18 mins: First booking of the match goes to Australia’s Bos, but Tillman can’t do much from the free-kick as it flies behind the pack of players.
McKennie’s acrobatic improvised effort flies well over.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:18 , Will Castle
15 mins: CHANCE! It should be 2-0!
The corner is whipped deliciously onto the free head of McKennie, who looks certain to score but his effort whacks the chest of an Australia man just in front of him.
A fortuitous block, no doubt about that, but the Socceroos won’t care. A second for USA now and Australia could be at risk of this game going well out of their reach, and fast.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:15 , Will Castle
13 mins: It’s nearly an instant response from Australia as a bending effort flies just wide of the post, but the US are back up the other end and have a corner...
GOAL! USA 1-0 Australia (Burgess OG, 11')
20:12 , Will Castle
CAMERON BURGESS BOOTS INTO HIS OWN NET, AND THE US HAVE THE LEAVE!
Folarin Balogun, the star of the opener, is clearly full of belief in himself as he drives past his man and into the box, before cutting it back into a nightmare position for the back-tracking Australian defender.
There’s a white shirt to tap home but Burgess does the work for him, blasting high into the roof of the Australia net.
A horrible moment for the Swansea centre-back, but the US World Cup train keeps on rolling!
USA 0-0 Australia
20:10 , Will Castle
9 mins: Now it’s more US pressure!
McKennie is at the heart of things again as Dest is fed into the box, who tries to bend one aiming for the far side-netting but a yellow body gets in the way.
USA 0-0 Australia
20:09 , Will Castle
7 mins: Real competitive edge to this game early on. Australia’s high press sees Freese play a loose pass out wide which is picked up by a yellow shirt, but the US regroup and recover.
USA 0-0 Australia
20:07 , Will Castle
5 mins: First glimpse of a chance for the US as McKennie makes a lovely run onto the right wing before whipping in a delivery aiming for the charging Pepi.
He doesn’t get much behind the header as it drops in the box, but the referee blows for a foul against Balogun for a pull on the shirt.
USA 0-0 Australia
20:06 , Will Castle
4 mins: The USA have got a grip on possession after perhaps a shaky first few seconds.
Australia have every player behind the ball already.
USA 0-0 Australia
20:03 , Will Castle
1 min: As the Americans send their Iceland-style clap reverberating around Lumen Field, it’s Australia who get the first shot on goal inside a minute.
Norwich City striker Toure drives low towards the near post but it’s comfortable for Freese.
KICK-OFF! USA 0-0 Australia
20:01 , Will Castle
The World Cup countdown reaches its climax... and WE ARE UNDERWAY!
U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!
19:57 , Will Castle
Hand to the chest, we get a deafening American rendition of Star-Spangled Banner as four big military helicopters fly overhead. They know how to set the tone, don’t they.
Here come the teams
19:53 , Will Castle
The flags are laid out and here come the US and Australia players for the World Cup soccer derby!
It is quite the walk from the corner... but to the centre-circle they go (via the technical area) for the national anthems.
Closing in on kick-off
19:50 , Will Castle
We are just 10 minutes away from kick-off in Seattle!
A win tonight seals either the United States or Australia a spot in the World Cup knockouts.
The U-S-A! U-S-A! chants are already out in full force. Soccer fever has well and truly taken over - how the Americans would love to ensure their journey goes beyond the group tonight!
Gary Lineker to make shock appearance on ITV as pundit for World Cup game
19:45 , Will Castle
BBC’s coverage for tonight’s game has kicked off, but the broadcaster won’t be best pleased with the news that broke this afternoon.
As first revealed by The Independent, Gary Lineker will make a shock appearance for ITV as part of their 2026 World Cup coverage on Saturday.
It’s understood the former Match Of The Day host will be an ITV pundit for the Group E clash between Germany and Ivory Coast. Coverage of the game will start at 8pm BST with kick-off in Toronto an hour later.
Gary Lineker to appear on ITV World Cup coverage
Australia's goalkeeper Patrick Beach bidding to keep out USA
19:40 , Jamie Braidwood
Australia’s opening World Cup win over Turkey saw the birth of a new star for the Socceroos in Patrick Beach, the goalkeeper.
The Melbourne City stopper made a string of saves to help keep Turkey out, despite Australia having just 30 per cent of the possession.
“Seeing the whole crowd jump up in yellow and green, everyone just went crazy,” Beach said afterwards. “I went crazy with the crowd behind, so it was an unbelievable moment, and something that we’ll remember for sure.”
19:34 , Will Castle
Can USA continue early World Cup excitement?
19:29 , Will Castle
U-S-A, U-S-A! The hosts are off to flyer and after a stellar opening performance against Paraguay, soccer fever is taking over.
Folarin Balogun, a man whose American citizenship came by fluke, was at the heart of an outright domination of the South American side, his brace making up half of the US’ tally in a 4-1 win.
Whether they can keep up this intensity against tougher opposition is yet to be seen - but after one very impressive game, non-football-watching Americans will actually be convincing themselves that the US can win the World Cup.
Fulham's interest in USA striker warranted
19:25 , Will Castle
Fulham have been heavily linked with a move for one of the United States’ forward starters tonight: Ricardo Pepi.
The PSV striker was on the verge of a move to the Cottagers in January before it fell through, but interest remains there from the London club.
Former Liverpool and Chelsea man Bolo Zenden, who broke out at PSV, can’t blame Fulham for being keen.
“I think Ricardo Pepi is a great striker,” he told Boyle Sports. “He's been unlucky, where he was back fit and scoring goals, and then even while scoring a goal, he fell on his arm and broke his arm. It's crazy, but he's back now and he's scoring again.
“He's definitely a player that can do well for the US in the summer. There will be some expectations on him as well. But he has, the way we say it, he has a nose for the goal.
“He's always in the right position, scoring quite easy, and a good header in there. It's an interesting player. I know why Fulham, I understand why Fulham wants to sign him.”
Nestory Irankunda: Who is Australia's breakout World Cup star?
19:20 , Jamie Braidwood
Born in a refugee camp in a Tanzania, Nestory Irankunda has taken an unlikely journey to starring for Australia at the World Cup. He moved to Australia as a child but caught the eye of the football world when he moved to Bayern Munich from Adelaide United.
After leaving the German giants due to a lack of game-time, he ended up at Watford in the Championship. After scoring on his World Cup debut against Turkey, he emulated his idol Tim Cahill by boxing the corner flag.
Who could be knockouts-bound?
19:14 , Will Castle
After Mexico did the business last night (or this morning, depending on where you’re reading from), the United States could become the second host nation to book their place in the World Cup knockouts before anyone else with a win tonight.
The US will be full of confidence after their opening romp over Paraguay, but Australia have already shone as the underdogs... and the stakes are the same for the Socceroos. Could an upset be in the making in Seattle?
Meet Folarin Balogun, the accidental American leading USA’s World Cup charge
19:08 , Lawrence Ostlere
Balogun was born in New York when his parents were on holiday from London but the USA embracing the striker as its new star is a delicious irony to Donald Trump’s stance on immigration
Folarin Balogun is the American American leading USA’s World Cup charge
Soccer fever hits Seattle
19:06 , Will Castle
USA v Australia team news: No Pulisic, Socceroos bench both scorers!
18:49 , Jamie Braidwood
The enforced absence of Christian Pulisic means Mauricio Pochettino makes just one change from the opening 4-1 win over Paraguay, with Ricardo Pepi starting on the left wing.
Australia make two changes, removing both of their scorers from the 2-0 win over Turkey! Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe are replaced by Nishan Velupillay and Mathew Leckie. That’s a bold choice.
USA XI: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson; Adams, Tillman; Dest, McKennie, Pepi; Balogun.
Australia XI: Beach; Italiano, Circati, Souttar, Burgess, Bos; O’Neill, Okon-Engstler, Leckie, Toure; Velupillay.
Mauricio Pochettino confirms Christian Pulisic's absence vs Australia
18:41 , Jamie Braidwood
Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that Pulisic is unavailable during an interview with Fox Sports, but sounded optimistic that he’ll be back soon...
“The evolution is [going] really well. Today he was training in the morning in the camp and I’ve seen the feelings are good.
“I hope as soon as possible he can be ready to be selected again and to be part of the team. Now, we need to be focused on our team and the players that are going to play.
“We have ahead a very important game and Australia is going to be really tough. [But] a little bit sad because he wanted to stay, he wanted to participate today.”
Christian Pulisic ruled out of USA v Australia
18:33 , Jamie Braidwood
Christian Pulisic is out of the USA’s World Cup clash with Australia due to the calf injury picked up during the win against Paraguay.
That’s a huge blow for the co-hosts, given how well Pulisic played in their opening 4-1 win. Ricardo Pepi starts in his place.
Full team news to come
World Cup 2026 power rankings: England, Argentina and France make statements after round one
18:28 , Will Castle
Every team has now played their opening match of the 2026 World Cup - how do they rank?
World Cup 2026 power rankings: England and France make statements after round one
USA call for noise ahead of facing Australia in Seattle
18:14 , Jamie Braidwood
"I fully expect this crowd to be extremely loud. And, they’re going to energise our group," said USA midfielder Cristian Roldan, having played for the Seattle Sounders since 2015.
"This is one of the loudest stadiums in the world when you think about Seahawks games or Sounders games.
Just seeing the Belgium game against Egypt and how the atmosphere was there, I fully expect the city of Seattle to come out and show out, and I think the guys are going to feel that type of energy."
Socceroos’ breakthrough has come at the right time for fractious Australia
18:00 , Alan Smith
When Nestory Irankunda made a beeline for the corner flag after putting Australia in front against Turkey last Saturday, everyone knew who he was paying tribute to. Twenty years on, Australia are still trying to replicate the magic of Tim Cahill guiding them towards the last-16 in Germany.
The sight of Cahill bobbing and weaving around the flag after the Socceroos’ first World Cup goal against Japan in 2006 remains a defining image in their history, so Irankunda thought it right to pay tribute to his “biggest inspiration” after the moment of his nascent career to date.
“I look up to him and I want to be like him one day,” the Watford winger said afterwards, instantly winning the hearts of many casual fans back home. But if they appear overly committed towards nods to the past, this was equally a breakout party for a team that are determined to far exceed low external expectations at World Cup 2026 - and simultaneously become central to a depressingly familiar political discourse.
Why Socceroos’ World Cup breakthrough has come at right time for fractious Australia
Australia boss insists improvement needed against USA
17:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It was an excellent execution of the plan from Australia against Turkey, but manager Tony Popovic has warned his side that they will have to be better today.
"We know it will be a different type of challenge," he said. "Playing the host nation here as well is a wonderful challenge, but also a wonderful opportunity for us.
"We know that we will need to be better than we were against Turkey to get the result we want. We want to earn our respect. We know that by our performances we can put Australian football on the world map and that's what we aim to do."
The bold selection gamble that paid off for Australia in shock World Cup win over Turkey
17:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Australia’s selection will be interesting today. Patrick Beach was a surprise starter in goal against Turkey, but looks set to keep his place after making a number of fine saves to help the Socceroos to victory.
The bold selection call that paid off for Australia in strong start to World Cup
‘We need to play on the edge:’ Pochettino sounds warning as USMNT prepares for fiery Australia showdown
17:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Mauricio Pochettino has issued a strong word of warning to his side ahead of a key clash for the USMNT.
Seattle set to explode as USMNT faces Australia in World Cup showdown
Who will win the 2026 World Cup? Vote in our poll
17:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The weak link theory that will decide who wins the World Cup
17:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A World Cup, naturally, brings a focus on the sport’s starts – but it could be the 11th name on each teamsheet that is crucial to determining which nation wins it. Richard Jolly on the weak link theory that may be decisive:
The weak link theory that will decide who wins the World Cup
World Cup third-place rankings explained: Is one win enough to qualify?
16:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It may be that these two have already done enough to progress – Jamie Braidwood explains the permutations that may mean one win is sufficient to reach the round of 32.
World Cup third-place rankings explained: Is one win enough to qualify?
Strong start for co-hosts
16:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Aside from a nasty injury in the Canada game last night, it’s been an excellent start for the three nations co-hosting this World Cup. Mexico booked their spot in the knockout rounds with a strong win against South Korea yesterday while Canada are close to joining them after a 6-0 thrashing of Qatar. Can the USA extend the trio’s unbeaten run to six games?
Mexico become first country in World Cup knockout rounds with win over South Korea
Group D fixtures
16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
13 June: USA 4-1 Paraguay – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
14 June: Australia 2-0 Turkey – BC Place, Vancouver
19 June: USA vs Australia – Lumen Field, Seattle
20 June: Turkey vs Paraguay – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
26 June: Turkey vs USA – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
26 June: Paraguay vs Australia – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
