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The U.S. men’s soccer team defeated Australia 2-0 on Friday, in its second winning World Cup match, securing a spot in the knockout round.
Friday’s win in Seattle comes after a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay last week that earned widespread praise and attention for the team’s performance on the pitch.
The U.S. men’s team has not won back-to-back games at a World Cup since the first tournament in 1930, according to FIFA.
Folarin Balogun and Antonee Robinson of the USA celebrate after Australia’s Cameron Burgess scores an own goal during their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match, June 19, 2026 in Seattle, Washington.
Troy Wayrynen/Imagn Images via Reuters
U.S. star player Christian Pulisic missed Friday’s match because of a calf injury and was replaced by Ricardo Pepi in the starting lineup.
According to ESPN, Pulisic’s status had been uncertain since coming out of the team’s matchup with Paraguay. USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Pulisic would be missing Friday’s game earlier in the day, speaking with Fox.
“I hope as soon as possible he will be ready to play again and be part of the team,” Pochettino added.
Following the team’s win on Friday, Pochettino reiterated that sentiment, adding, “We hope that next game he will be available, but if we want to win the competition, we need the whole team, and all the players need to be important. But, of course, Christian is one of the best players in the world, and I hope that he can recover as soon as possible.”
United States’ Alex Freeman celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s second goal against Australia during their FIFA World Cup Group D soccer match in Seattle, June 19, 2026.
Albert Gea/Reuters
During the match, the U.S. benefited from an own goal by Australia. Alex Freeman, son of Green Bay Packers’ Antonio Freeman, scored a second goal for the U.S. also in the first half.
The U.S. team next faces Turkey on June 25.
