SEATTLE (Kashmir English): The United States defeated Australia 2-0 at Lumen Field in Seattle in their second Group D match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With this win, the U.S. has officially booked its berth in the event’s knockout rounds.
The U.S. played without captain and star winger Christian Pulisic, who sat on the bench due to a calf injury suffered in the opening match against Paraguay. Ricardo Pepi replaced the skipper.
Folarin Balogun whipped a dangerous cross into the box that forced an own goal by Australian defender Cameron Burgess, putting the U.S. up 1-0 early.
FIFA World Cup history
This made the United States the first team in FIFA Men’s World Cup history to benefit from an own goal in consecutive matches.
Right back Alex Freeman doubled the lead right before halftime. Sergiño Dest fired a shot from the edge of the box that deflected high into the air, allowing Freeman to run in and finish it in the net. The goal was initially flagged for offside but was quickly awarded following a VAR review.
In the second half, Australia heavily pressured the US backline when they adopted an aggressive approach and accumulated multiple dangerous balls across the box.
However, the American defence preserved the clean sheet for goalkeeper Matt Freese.
The US controlled the tempo for the majority of the game, particularly dominating possession in the first half.
