USA 2-0 Australia: Pochettino’s Yanks through to last 32 with comfortable win in Seattle

The United States of America (USA) are in full control of Group D after a fine victory in Seattle on Friday night.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 co-hosts scaled through Australia 2-0 in their second preliminary on Friday 19 June, 2026 at the multi-purpose Seattle Stadium in Seattle, Washington DC, United States (US).

The victory means Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s Yanks have clinched their place in the last thirty-two (32) of the tournament following successive victories.

The Americans fielded against The Socceroos without AC Milan attacking midfielder, Christian Pulisic, due to a calf injury, however, made sure to mount all the pressure on the Australians in the first 45 minutes which paid off with two (2) goals.

The Yanks went in front early, in the 11th minute, after Australia gifted them the first goal when defender Cameron Burgess struck the ball into his own net; the own goal came following striker, Folarin Balogun’s effort towards goal.

Pochettino’s side added the second in the 43rd minute through Alex Freeman after the right winger reacted quickly to a deflected Sergino Dest strike to head past Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach.

Freeman’s goal was awarded following a check by Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after it was initially struck out for offside.

Balogun, former Arsenal striker, was unable to find the net, but, was inspirational in the victory of the Americans in the Capital after his charges led to the opener. He also netted a brace for the Yanks in the game against Paraguay, which ended 4-1 for USA.

After Mohamed Toure’s low shot was saved early, in the 40th second of play, the Australians hardly recorded any threat against the Americans, however, made some improvements following the introduction of Nestory Irankunda in the second half.

Next for USA and Australia

The USA will gear up for their last Group D match against Türkiye on Friday 26 June, 2026 at 03:00 (WAT) at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, US, while, Australia will face Paraguay same Friday, same time at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The USA are Group D toppers with six (6) points after winning two (2) from two (2), Australia are second-placed with three (3) points, Paraguay are third with three (3) points, while, Türkiye are 4th with zero (0) point.

Results:

Photo: Players of the United States of America (USA) celebrate after reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 following a comfortable 2-0 victory over Australia on Friday night in Seattle