The USA secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round of 32 with a game to spare after defeating Australia 2-0 at Seattle Stadium. The victory guarantees the tournament co-hosts a spot in the knockout stage, at minimum as one of the best third-placed teams, following consecutive wins in Group D.

The result marks the first time the USA has won back-to-back matches at a World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1930. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s side achieved the victory despite the absence of star player Christian Pulisic, who missed the match due to a calf injury.

The USA opened the scoring in the 11th minute through an own goal, initiated by Folarin Balogun’s run down the left side into the penalty area. His low cross was deflected into the net by Australia’s Cameron Burgess.

The second goal arrived just before halftime in the 43rd minute. A deflected shot from Sergiño Dest looped into the six-yard box, where Alex Freeman beat goalkeeper Patrick Beach to header the ball into the net. Balogun had an opportunity to add a third later in the match, but his effort was stopped by a block from Alessandro Circati.

The two first-half goals proved sufficient for the co-hosts, who also recorded their first clean sheet in ten matches. With this result, the USA leads Group D with six points, while Australia remains on three points after two games played.