The United States continued its impressive start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Australia 2-0 on Friday to secure a place in the knockout stage and ultimately claim first place in Group D despite the absence of injured star Christian Pulisic.
With Paraguay’s 1-0 victory over Turkey in the group’s other match early Saturday morning, the Americans officially finished atop Group D and earned a Round of 32 showdown on July 1 in Santa Clara, California, against one of the tournament’s third-place finishers.
For a team missing its captain and leading attacking threat, the performance was another statement from Mauricio Pochettino’s rapidly maturing squad.
Pulisic, the AC Milan forward who has scored 33 goals in 87 appearances for the national team, was sidelined with a calf injury. Yet the Americans showed they are no longer dependent on one player to carry them on the world’s biggest stage.
The victory marked the first time the United States has won consecutive matches at a World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1930. Through two games, the Americans have scored six goals, just one shy of their all-time World Cup record, while receiving contributions from across the roster.
The U.S. wasted little time taking control against Australia. In the 11th minute, striker Folarin Balogun burst down the left flank and delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area. The pass was intended for Ricardo Pepi, who started in place of Pulisic, but Australia defender Cameron Burgess inadvertently redirected the ball into his own net, giving the Americans a 1-0 lead.
The own goal rewarded an energetic American start and put the Socceroos under immediate pressure.
The United States doubled its advantage shortly before halftime through one of the tournament’s emerging young stars. In the 43rd minute, a U.S. set piece created chaos in the Australian penalty area before Sergiño Dest’s deflected effort floated toward goal. Alex Freeman reacted quickest, rising to head the ball into the net for his first World Cup goal.
After a brief video review, the goal was confirmed, sending the American supporters into celebration.
The goal was a milestone moment for the 21-year-old Freeman, the youngest player on the U.S. roster and the son of former NFL wide receiver and Super Bowl champion Antonio Freeman.
While the Americans did not add to their lead after halftime, they remained firmly in control. Their defensive organization and midfield dominance prevented Australia from generating sustained pressure, allowing the United States to comfortably protect the two-goal advantage.
Australia head coach Tony Popovic acknowledged the challenge posed by the Americans, particularly after a first-half performance that showcased the depth, athleticism, and confidence of the tournament hosts.
The result reflects just how far U.S. soccer has progressed since the last World Cup held on American soil in 1994. That team advanced as one of the tournament’s best third-place finishers before falling to eventual champion Brazil in the Round of 16.
This generation, however, appears capable of aiming much higher. Despite the growing excitement surrounding the team’s unbeaten start and first-place finish, Pochettino has remained measured in his assessment of the squad. The Argentine manager has consistently emphasized that the team’s potential will ultimately be determined by its performances in the knockout rounds.
With six goals scored, two victories from two matches, and a growing belief throughout the country, the United States enters the knockout stage carrying significant momentum. Whether Pulisic returns in time for the Round of 32 remains uncertain, but the Americans have already demonstrated they possess the depth and quality to compete without him.
Now, with Group D secured and a favorable path into the knockout stage ahead, the United States will look to continue its historic run and take another step toward its most successful World Cup campaign in modern history.
