Recap: USMNT beats Australia 2-0 in second World Cup group game

The U.S. has advanced to the knockout rounds and could win Group D if Turkiye fails to beat Paraguay.

The U.S. men's national team is through to the knockout rounds with a solid 2-0 win over the Socceroos in Seattle on Friday.
The U.S. can advance to the Round of 32 as group winners with Turkiye losing or drawing vs. Paraguay later in the day.
Folarin Balogun's low cross from the left flank was turned in by Australian defender Cameron Burgess for an 11th-minute own goal.
Alex Freeman, the breakout pick for the U.S., scored the second goal after tracking down a deflected shot to head it home just before halftime.
Christian Pulisic was ruled out with a calf injury, per head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Ricardo Pepi started in his place.
Australia had upset Turkiye 2-0 to open the tournament. Nestory Irankunda and Jordan Bos were youngsters to watch, with Jackson Irvine and Harry Souttar among the key veterans.
The two sides previously met in a friendly on Oct. 14, 2025, with the U.S. winning 2-1 in a comeback performance.

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