FIFA World Cup 2026
Group D Result
USA 2-0 Australia
Seattle, USA: The United States became the second co-host nation to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage after a convincing 2-0 victory over Australia at Lumen Field on Friday.
Backed by a passionate home crowd in Seattle, Mauricio Pochettino’s side secured a second consecutive victory to join fellow hosts Mexico in the Round of 32 with a game to spare.
The Americans, playing without injured captain Christian Pulisic, took control of the contest early and never looked back.
Australia handed the hosts the breakthrough in the 11th minute when defender Cameron Burgess turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Ricardo Pepi.
The move began with Folarin Balogun, who burst down the left wing before delivering a dangerous cut-back into the penalty area.
The Socceroos struggled to create meaningful chances throughout the first half as the United States dominated possession and looked threatening in attack.
The hosts doubled their advantage just before halftime through Alex Freeman.
A cleverly worked free-kick routine saw Antonee Robinson find Sergino Dest outside the penalty area. Dest’s effort was blocked and looped into the air before Freeman rose highest to head home.
Although the assistant referee initially flagged for offside, a VAR review overturned the decision and confirmed the goal.
Australia introduced Connor Metcalfe and Nestory Irankunda at the start of the second half in a bid to revive their hopes.
Balogun nearly added a third for the hosts shortly after the restart, but his heavy touch allowed goalkeeper Patrick Beach to smother the opportunity.
The visitors’ best chance arrived in the 62nd minute when Cristian Volpato fired over the bar after being picked out by Irankunda.
Australia pushed forward in the closing stages, with Metcalfe forcing a save and Jason Geria seeing a close-range effort blocked, but the American defence remained resolute.
The victory guarantees the United States a place in the Round of 32 and keeps alive hopes of topping Group D.
The hosts will face Türkiye in their final group match next week, knowing qualification is already secured.
Group D Standings
| Team | Played | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 2 | 6 |
| Australia | 2 | 3 |
| Türkiye* | 1 | 3 |
| Paraguay* | 1 | 0 |
(*Before Türkiye vs Paraguay)
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