The USMNT wins the knockout stage of the World Cup by defeating Australia in Seattle
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The United States Men’s National Team’s dream start continued on Friday, and the dream will continue in the next round.
The United States World Cup team won the knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle on Friday afternoon, and it was their second win in as many games in this World Cup.
It is the first time since the World Cup was established in 1930 that America has won consecutive World Cup games.
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Team USA celebrates a goal against Paraguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. (Photos by Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn)
The second game of the World Cup for the United States started in a normal way. Flo Balugon’s pass hit Cameron Burgess from Australia and it was pointed into the net, which led to him scoring an own goal in the 10th minute and giving the Americans an early lead in the group stage match.
It was the first time in the history of the World Cup that a team scored goals in consecutive games.
The field remained tight after the first goal, with the Stars and Stripes getting plenty of chances. Surprisingly, however, they didn’t have a shot on goal for nearly 43 minutes.
But the US got a goal at the tail end in the 43rd minute after a free kick was stopped, and Alex Freeman, the son of former NFL player Antonio Freeman, headed the ball. Officials initially ruled it offside, but a VAR check overturned the call, sending Seattle’s Lumen Field into a frenzy and giving 21-year-old forward Freeman his first World Cup goal.
In 71 minutes, the United States had more than 60% of the ball compared to about 30% for Australia.
The United States is now 11-2-1 when batting first in World Cups.
Before the game it was announced that Christian Pulisic will not play in this game after injuring his calf last week. However, the team is good enough without him.
Alex Freeman of the United States heads the ball past Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach during the World Cup soccer match in Seattle on June 19, 2026. (Photo by Maddy Grassy/AP)
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This team has scored six goals in the group stage, which tied their history in the group stage.
With a 2-0 record, the United States is in first place with six points, with Australia three behind and in second place. Both Paraguay and Turkey, who will meet on Friday to determine the fate of Team USA, are winless with zero points.
The United States will win Group D, and the best tie in the Round of 32, if Paraguay beats or ties Turkey – that game starts at 11pm ET.
However, Turkey’s loss may not hurt the United States. Indeed, they will be in last place in the group with three points; but the US will be able to rest many of its players – namely Pulisic – to give Turkey a good game to clinch a spot in the Round of 32.
Folarin Balogun and Antonee Robinson celebrate after scoring a goal during the World Cup Group D match between the United States and Australia in Seattle on June 19, 2026. (Ted S. Warren/AP Photo)
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The top two finishers from each of the 12 teams advance, as do the eight third-place finishers. So while the US can’t sit comfortably because of it, it can be involved in other chaos.
Either way, the United States will return to Los Angeles against Turkey next Thursday.
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