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US beats Australia 2-0 to reach World Cup last 32

Players of USA celebrate after the 2026 FIFA World Cup First Stage Group D match between USA and Australia at Lumen Field (Seattle Stadium) in Seattle, Washington, United States, June 19, 2026. (AA Photo)
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Players of USA celebrate after the 2026 FIFA World Cup First Stage Group D match between USA and Australia at Lumen Field (Seattle Stadium) in Seattle, Washington, United States, June 19, 2026. (AA Photo)
June 20, 2026 12:23 AM GMT+03:00

The United States defeated Australia 2-0 in Seattle on Friday to advance to the last 32 of the World Cup from Group D with one group-stage match still to play.

The World Cup co-hosts secured the win through an own goal by Australia defender Cameron Burgess in the 11th minute and a header from Alex Freeman in the 43rd minute.

The result gave the U.S. a place in the knockout round with one game to spare.

The victory followed last week’s 4-1 win over Paraguay and marked the first time the U.S. men’s national team has won consecutive World Cup matches since 1930.

Players of USA celebrate after the 2026 FIFA World Cup First Stage Group D match between USA and Australia at Lumen Field (Seattle Stadium) in Seattle, Washington, United States, June 19, 2026. (AA Photo)
Players of USA celebrate after the 2026 FIFA World Cup First Stage Group D match between USA and Australia at Lumen Field (Seattle Stadium) in Seattle, Washington, United States, June 19, 2026. (AA Photo)

US seals win before halftime

The U.S. took the lead early when Australia conceded an own goal in the 11th minute.

Freeman then doubled the advantage shortly before halftime, scoring with a header in the 43rd minute.

The two first-half goals were enough for the U.S. to control the match and secure qualification for the second phase of the tournament.

Australia was unable to respond as the U.S. held firm after building its lead.

Players of USA celebrate after the 2026 FIFA World Cup First Stage Group D match between USA and Australia at Lumen Field (Seattle Stadium) in Seattle, Washington, United States, June 19, 2026. (AA Photo)
Players of USA celebrate after the 2026 FIFA World Cup First Stage Group D match between USA and Australia at Lumen Field (Seattle Stadium) in Seattle, Washington, United States, June 19, 2026. (AA Photo)

Hosts dominate possession despite Pulisic absence

The U.S. played without Christian Pulisic, who is dealing with a calf injury.

Pulisic suffered the injury during training before it was aggravated last week against Paraguay.

Even without him, the U.S. created repeated scoring chances in the first half and dominated possession.

The U.S. finished with 62% possession and completed nearly 450 accurate passes, around twice as many as Australia.

The win kept the U.S. in control of its Group D campaign and confirmed its place in the last 32 before its final group-stage match.

June 20, 2026 12:24 AM GMT+03:00
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