The USMNT played its second game in the 2026 FIFA World Cup this Friday, June 19. The U.S. played Australia at Lumen Field in Seattle for what turned out to be a memorable game for the host nation.

The USA was coming off a massive 4-1 win against Paraguay, while Australia enjoyed a 2-0 win over Turkey in its first game. Star player Christian Pulisic was unavailable for this match due to an injury he picked up in the tournament-opener.

Mauricio Pochettino was forced to adjust his starting lineup. The Argentine manager replaced Pulisic with Ricardo Pepi and converted to a two-striker setup with Folarin Balogun.

The USMNT had a very quick start to the match with an own goal by Cameron Burgess that led to a lead in the 11th minute. Balogun sent a sharp cross in from the left side of the box, and Burgess tapped the sphere into his own net.

Pochettino’s squad controlled possession of the ball heavily in the first half and clearly looked like the better side. Another goal came from this dominant display as Alexander Freeman scored in the 43rd minute.

Serginho Dest shot the ball into a sea of players from the edge of the box, and Freeman was able to get to the deflected ball in the air and head the ball into the net.

Freeman had an impressive showcase of awareness and physical prowess with this goal.

The second half was a very easygoing affair for the USMNT. Australia did make some adjustments at the half, and Netsory Irankunda specifically really enhanced the Socceroos’ attack.

However, the Asian side was only able to muster up a shot on target in the second half. The USMNT had no shots on target in the second half, but were clearly comfortable with the 2-0 result.

The win was a vital one for the U.S. as it secured a berth in the knockout stage of this tournament. The host nation also has a massive goal differential of five and has basically secured a first-place finish in this group.

The USA’s last game in the group stage of this competition will be at the Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 25 against Turkey. It has been a very fruitful start for the USMNT, but the knockout stage is as unpredictable as ever, and the team will need to try to maintain this rhythm of play.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 28, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego FC, San Diego Wave. I have covered Liga MX, MLS, Mexico National Team, USWNT, Copa América and European clubs like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.