Seattle — The United States men’s national team secured a spot in the knockout round of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Australia at Seattle on Friday.
Playing without injured star Christian Pulisic, who sat out due to a calf injury, the U.S. took advantage of a second own goal in as many games to remain unbeaten in this World Cup.
The victory gave the Americans (2-0-0) six points in Group D, assuring the U.S. of advancing no matter what happens in their final group game. If Turkey ties or loses to Paraguay later on Friday, the U.S. will clinch the top spot in the group. The U.S. will face Turkey on Thursday.
Folarin Balogun continued his torrid start to the World Cup with an aggressive attack up the left wing in the 11th minute, beating the Australian defense. His pass into the six-yard box was deflected by Swansea City defender Cameron Burgess into the net for an own goal. While Burgess was hit with the own goal, Ricardo Pepi was positioned for an easy goal had the ball not been deflected.
Thirty-two minutes later, defender Alex Freeman provided the second goal off a header by beating Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach to a loose ball off a free kick. Initially ruled offsides, the call was overturned following a lengthy video review.
Freeman’s third international goal came just a few minutes after he and Australian midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler were tended to after colliding heads. After laying on the turf for several minutes, both players ultimately stayed in the game.
But it was Balogun’s run that provided the breakthrough for a U.S. attack that continually put pressure on the Australian defense in a spirited start to the first half. While the Aussies got the first shot on target in the opening minute of the game from Mohamed Toure, it was easily saved by goaltender Matt Freese.
The momentum quickly switched in favor of the U.S. at that point, with Bolugun’s speed along with aggressive pressing from defender Antonee Robinson continuing to put pressure on Australia’s back line. The Socceroos played four defenders and received help from the midfield but were constantly challenged by the speed of the U.S.
After Australia attacker Mathew Leckie was not shown a card following a questionable challenge on U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams in the eighth minute, defender Jordan Bos was given a yellow for a hard tackle on Weston McKennie eight minutes later. Teammate Alessandro Circati was also shown a yellow in the 32nd minute.
Australian coach Tony Popovic attempted to switch the flow with a trio of substitutions coming out of halftime and putting in an extra attacker. While the Aussies did apply more pressure on Freese in the second half they were unable to tally a goal.
The U.S. finished with the edge in possession at 56% and both teams managed only two shots on goal.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: U.S. beats Australia, secures spot in World Cup knockout round
Reporting by Derek Harper, Field Level Media / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Derek Harper, Field Level Media | USA TODAY Network
