U.S. Advances to World Cup Round of 32 After Dominant Win Over Australia

The United States national soccer team secured a spot in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a strong 2–0 victory over Australia.

SEATTLE — The United States marched into the World Cup knockout stage with a composed 2-0 win over Australia on Friday, riding an early own goal and an Alex Freeman header to a second straight victory that rendered their final group game a formality.Just as they had in their 4-1 win over Paraguay, the Americans benefited from an opponent’s defensive error to open the scoring. Cameron Burgess turned the ball into his own net in the 11th minute after Folarin Balogun surged down the left and aimed a cross toward Ricardo Pepi, who was deputizing for the absent Christian Pulisic.Freeman doubled the lead just before halftime, nodding into an empty net after Sergino Dest’s blocked shot looped over stranded goalkeeper Patrick Beach. The goal was initially disallowed for offside but awarded following a VAR review, sending the U.S. bench spilling onto the pitch.“It was surreal … obviously at first it was disallowed so I was kind of anxious when it went to VAR,” Freeman said. “It was so emotional for me because you dream of this moment.” The victory moved the co-hosts to six points and guaranteed a place in the Round of 32 with a game to spare. The U.S. will face Turkey on Thursday in Los Angeles, where coach Mauricio Pochettino expects to have Pulisic available. “But if we want to win the competition, we need the whole team. And all the players need to be important,” Pochettino said. Australia, who beat Turkey 2-0 in their opener, made a double halftime substitution, bringing on Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe after dropping both from the starting lineup. The Socceroos improved marginally but rarely threatened, with Harry Souttar missing a late chance that could have made for a tense finish. “I don’t know if it was the occasion, but we looked sluggish, heavy-legged,” Australia coach Tony Popovic said. “I think the players showed how good they are in the second half, but obviously at this level you can’t give away that much in the first.” The U.S. will top Group D if Turkey fail to beat Paraguay later Friday. Australia remain second on three points and next face Paraguay in San Francisco.