The United States men’s national team takes to the pitch for the second time in the 2026 World Cup, this time in a Group D match against Australia.
The buzz for the World Cup stateside was already high as one of the host nations, but the Americans raised the bar with an impressive 4-1 win over Paraguay on June 12. Folarin Balogun had a brace for the U.S., who carried the play for much of the match.
But today’s match is for control of the group as the Socceroos opened its World Cup run with a 2-0 win over Turkey. So a win for either said in Seattle will secure a spot into the knockout round.
USA vs Australia score updates
3 p.m. ET | Fox, Telemundo | Fubo (free trial), Peacock
USA | – | – | AUS
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The winner of the USMNT vs. Australia will book a spot in the round of 32
The clash of the top two teams in Group D has a lot on the line, and if there is a winner today between the USMNT and Australia, they book a spot in the round of 32.
While a loss doesn’t eliminate the loser, it makes winning the group and earning the more favorable path in the knockout rounds a long shot. A draw puts both teams on 4 points each, and could open the door for either Turkiye or Paraguay to shake things up on the final group stage gameday.
For the USMNT, a win could help them clinch 1st in Group D as early as tonight. If Paraguay beats or draws with Turkiye later this evening, the USMNT will secure top spot in Group D ahead of the final match of group play.
USA lineup today: Ricardo Pepi starts
GK – Matt Freese, RB – Alex Freeman, CB – Tim Ream, CB – Chris Richards, LB – Antonee Robinson, RM – Sergiño Dest, CM – Tyler Adams, CM – Weston McKennie, LM – Malik Tillman, St – Ricardo Pepi, St – Folarin Balogun
Australia lineup today: Nestory Irankunda on the bench
Gk – Patrick Beach, RB – Jacob Italiano, CB – Alessandro Circati, CB – Harry Souttar, CB – Cameron Burgess, LB – Jordan Bos, CM – Aiden O’Neill, CM – Paul Okon-Engstler, RM – Matthew Leckie, LM – Nishan Velupillay, St – Mohamed Toure
Christian Pulisic is unavailable for the game vs. Australia, according to Mauricio Pochettino
Speaking to the FOX World Cup pre-game show, USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that Christian Pulisic will be unavailable for the Americans agaisnt Australia.
“Christian is not available. The evolution is really well. Today was training in the morning in the training camp. I think the feelings are good. Let’s hope as soon as possible, he can be ready to be selected again and to be part of the team. Now we need to be focused in our team and the players that are going to play. We have ahead a very important game, Australia is going to be really tough,” Pochettino told Jenny Taft. “Of course, a little bit sad, he (Pulisic) wanted to stay. He wanted to participate today, but it’s still so early.”
Ricardo Pepi will start as his replacement.
What time does USA vs Australia start?
USMNT vs Australia TV channel, live stream
Watch USA vs Australia in Spanish live on Peacock
Where is USA vs Australia playing?
The USMNT vs. Australia World Cup match is at Seattle Stadium, also known as Lumen Field in Seattle. It is home to the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, the MLS’ Seattle Sounders FC and the NWSL’s Seattle Reign FC.
USA vs Australia announcers
USMNT vs Australia predictions
Is Christian Pulisic playing today? Injury update
The star winger played the first half but sat out the second half of USA’s 4-1 win over Paraguay. Pulisic said after the game his calf was concerning enough to hit as a precaution. As of late Thursday, USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino said he will meet with the medical staff later before determining Pulisic availability. “He’s evolving. He’s much better from Friday,” Pochettino said. “We will see. If he is not available for tomorrow, he will be available for the next game.”
USA soccer players
The U.S. men’s national team features 12 players who were part of the team that made the Round of 16 in Qatar 2022. See the full USA World Cup roster.
World Cup schedule
Here’s a look at the Group D matches for the U.S. soccer team. All of the USA’s games will be broadcast in English on Fox and in Spanish on Telemundo. All times Eastern.
And here are the Group D matches for Australia.
World Cup weather update: Forecast for USA vs Australia
AccuWeather predicts 72 degrees with mostly sunny skies at kickoff in Seattle, with a 1% chance of rain. Portions of the playing surface is covered by a roof.
USA soccer schedule
Here’s a look at the USMNT’s recent run of play:
Australia soccer schedule
Here’s a look at Australia’s recent run of play:
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: USA vs Australia in World Cup: Live updates, highlights from Seattle
Reporting by Kirkland Crawford and Liam Rooney, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kirkland Crawford and Liam Rooney, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
