USA host Australia in the second round of games in World Cup Group D this evening in Seattle, with both sides knowing a win would all but secure a place in the last 32.
The co-hosts come into the game off the back of a statement win over Paraguay in their opener, with Christian Pulisic and co. laying down a marker as they flew to the top of the group. However, talisman Pulisic sustained a leg injury during that clash and faces a race to be fit for this evening’s game.
“He’s evolving,” coach Mauricio Pochettino said of Pulisic in his pre-match press conference on Thursday. “He’s much better from [last] Friday. We’ll see. At the moment, if he’s not available, he will be available for the next game. But I think he’s doing a massive effort trying to be ready.”
Meanwhile, Australia put in a statement performance of their own in an opening win over Turkey, with goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe putting the Socceroos on the verge of the knockout rounds this summer.
Follow all the action from Seattle below, with kick-off set for 12pm local time (8pm BST):
USA call for noise ahead of facing Australia in Seattle
“I fully expect this crowd to be extremely loud. And, they’re going to energise our group,” said USA midfielder Cristian Roldan, having played for the Seattle Sounders since 2015.
“This is one of the loudest stadiums in the world when you think about Seahawks games or Sounders games.
Just seeing the Belgium game against Egypt and how the atmosphere was there, I fully expect the city of Seattle to come out and show out, and I think the guys are going to feel that type of energy.”
Jamie Braidwood19 June 2026 18:14
Socceroos’ breakthrough has come at the right time for fractious Australia
When Nestory Irankunda made a beeline for the corner flag after putting Australia in front against Turkey last Saturday, everyone knew who he was paying tribute to. Twenty years on, Australia are still trying to replicate the magic of Tim Cahill guiding them towards the last-16 in Germany.
The sight of Cahill bobbing and weaving around the flag after the Socceroos’ first World Cup goal against Japan in 2006 remains a defining image in their history, so Irankunda thought it right to pay tribute to his “biggest inspiration” after the moment of his nascent career to date.
“I look up to him and I want to be like him one day,” the Watford winger said afterwards, instantly winning the hearts of many casual fans back home. But if they appear overly committed towards nods to the past, this was equally a breakout party for a team that are determined to far exceed low external expectations at World Cup 2026 – and simultaneously become central to a depressingly familiar political discourse.
Why Socceroos’ World Cup breakthrough has come at right time for fractious Australia
A Socceroos squad from diverse backgrounds has broken through just as Australia’s far-right, anti-immigration party surges in the polls – the timing might be perfectAlan Smith19 June 2026 18:00
Australia boss insists improvement needed against USA
It was an excellent execution of the plan from Australia against Turkey, but manager Tony Popovic has warned his side that they will have to be better today.
“We know it will be a different type of challenge,” he said. “Playing the host nation here as well is a wonderful challenge, but also a wonderful opportunity for us.
“We know that we will need to be better than we were against Turkey to get the result we want. We want to earn our respect. We know that by our performances we can put Australian football on the world map and that’s what we aim to do.”
Harry Latham-Coyle19 June 2026 17:50
The bold selection gamble that paid off for Australia in shock World Cup win over Turkey
Australia’s selection will be interesting today. Patrick Beach was a surprise starter in goal against Turkey, but looks set to keep his place after making a number of fine saves to help the Socceroos to victory.
The bold selection call that paid off for Australia in strong start to World Cup
Australia 2-0 Turkey: Without their captain and vice-captain, Australia battled to a valuable victory in VancouverHarry Latham-Coyle19 June 2026 17:40
‘We need to play on the edge:’ Pochettino sounds warning as USMNT prepares for fiery Australia showdown
Mauricio Pochettino has issued a strong word of warning to his side ahead of a key clash for the USMNT.
Seattle set to explode as USMNT faces Australia in World Cup showdown
The match follows the USMNT’s convincing 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their World Cup opener in Southern CaliforniaHarry Latham-Coyle19 June 2026 17:25
Who will win the 2026 World Cup? Vote in our poll
Harry Latham-Coyle19 June 2026 17:10
The weak link theory that will decide who wins the World Cup
A World Cup, naturally, brings a focus on the sport’s starts – but it could be the 11th name on each teamsheet that is crucial to determining which nation wins it. Richard Jolly on the weak link theory that may be decisive:
The weak link theory that will decide who wins the World Cup
While Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and co. draw inevitable focus, there is an argument that this tournament will be won by the 11th name on the teamsheetHarry Latham-Coyle19 June 2026 17:00
World Cup third-place rankings explained: Is one win enough to qualify?
It may be that these two have already done enough to progress – Jamie Braidwood explains the permutations that may mean one win is sufficient to reach the round of 32.
World Cup third-place rankings explained: Is one win enough to qualify?
The eight-best third-placed teams will advance to the last-32 of the World CupHarry Latham-Coyle19 June 2026 16:40
Strong start for co-hosts
Aside from a nasty injury in the Canada game last night, it’s been an excellent start for the three nations co-hosting this World Cup. Mexico booked their spot in the knockout rounds with a strong win against South Korea yesterday while Canada are close to joining them after a 6-0 thrashing of Qatar. Can the USA extend the trio’s unbeaten run to six games?
Mexico become first country in World Cup knockout rounds with win over South Korea
Mexico 1-0 South Korea: Luis Romo’s goal ensured the co-hosts will top their groupHarry Latham-Coyle19 June 2026 16:30
Group D fixtures
13 June: USA 4-1 Paraguay – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
14 June: Australia 2-0 Turkey – BC Place, Vancouver
19 June: USA vs Australia – Lumen Field, Seattle
20 June: Turkey vs Paraguay – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
26 June: Turkey vs USA – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
26 June: Paraguay vs Australia – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
Harry Latham-Coyle19 June 2026 16:15NewerOlder