The United States reached the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with one match to spare after comfortably beating Australia 2-0 in Group D on Friday.
The tournament co-hosts went ahead in the 11th minute when Folarin Balogun burst past the Australian backline and delivered a pass that defender Cameron Burgess turned into his own net.
The US doubled their lead shortly before halftime when Alex Freeman headed home from close range, a goal initially disallowed for offside but awarded after a VAR review, sparking jubilant celebrations on a sun-drenched afternoon in the Pacific Northwest.
The US advanced to six points and enters the round of 32. Group D concludes against Turkey at the Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday, while Australia, on three points, faces Paraguay at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.
US vs Australia Player Ratings
USA: Matt Freese (6.7), Alex Freeman (8.4), Chris Richards (7.5), Tim Ream (7.0), Sergino Dest (7.3), Weston McKennie (7.7), Tyler Adams (7.5), Malik Tillman (7.1), Antonee Robinson (7.5), Ricardo Pepi (6.6), Folarin Balogun (6.3)
Australia: Patrick Beach (5.9), Jacob Italiano (6.5), Alessandro Circati (6.9), Harry Souttar (6.0), Cameron Burgess (5.1), Jordan Bos (6.4), Nishan Velupillay (6.3), Paul Okon-Engstler (6.4), Aiden O’Neill (7.2), Leckham (6.3), Matthew Touré (6.3).
Published on June 20, 2026
