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Jake Mozarsky
Jake Mozarsky joined NESN as an Editorial Intern in March 2026 after earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwestern University. He has previously written for Marquee Sports Network, Chicago This Week, Inside NU and The Daily Northwestern.
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The United States national team continued to make history on Friday in Seattle, clinching a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stages with a 2-0 win over Australia to go atop Group D.
In front of an electric Seattle crowd, the United States once again opened the scoring early through an own-goal; after Folarin Balogun drove down the line and drove the ball across the box, it was Australian centerback Cameron Burgess who put the ball in the net to give the Americans the early lead. Then, 21-year-old Alex Freeman scored his first ever World Cup goal right before halftime to double the lead.
WATCH: USA vs. Australia LIVE on fubo (free trial)
Though there were no goals in the second half, it was a massive statement for the United States defense, who recorded its first shutout in 10 games dating back to September's friendly against Japan. Against a frisky Australian team that also picked up three points in their opening game, the United States were clinical up front and did not break on the defensive end, taking all three points at Lumen Field.
With the win, the United States not only secured a knockout stage berth for the first time in its history with group stage games remaining, but also have won its two opening World Cup games for the first time since 1930. The Americans continued its relentless, front-foot evolution before a rapturous home audience. Even without superstar Christian Pulisic, the United States played with a swagger that suggests it doesn't just belong in the knockout rounds, but expects to make a deep run in them.
Check out all the highlights below as the United States picked up a historic win to clinch a spot in the 2026 World Cup knockout stages.
USA vs. Australia score
USA vs. Australia live updates, highlights from 2026 World Cup
Final: United States 2, Australia 0
5:05 p.m.: For the first time since the 1930 World Cup, the United States have won its first two games. This time, it's another commanding win over Australia, 2-0, to clinch a spot in the knockout stages.
An own goal and Freeman's first at the World Cup were enough for the United States, who for the first time since September record a shutout. Australia pushed down the stretch, but the Americans looked different than in games past on the defensive end, holding a frisky team to zero.
GEM OF A WIN IN EMERALD CITY! pic.twitter.com/3i3HspeWis— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 19, 2026
Next up is a matchup with Turkey on June 25. Today, America, you can celebrate. The U.S. Men's national team made history.
5:01 p.m.: Balogun and McKennie come off for Haji Wright and Gio Reyna with the game almost over.
Fans in Seattle are pushing the U.S. over the finish line.
4:56 p.m.: There will be six minutes of stoppage time, with the U.S. still leading 2-0.
4:53 p.m.: It's starting to get heated in Seattle, with Balogun and Souttar squaring off but Balogun walks away.
Though, the two both get yellow cards as we reach the 88th minute.
4:49 p.m.: Australia is continuing to press and the Americans cannot get the ball out of the final third.
Though, the United States defense has stood tall and Australia is still scoreless.
4:46 p.m.: There's two defensive changes for the United States, with Dest and Robinson coming off for Joe Scally and Austin Trusty replacing them.
We have reached the 80th minute.
4:43 p.m.: There are some tired legs for the Americans, with the Australians controlling the ball in the final third.
There's less than 15 minutes remaining before stoppage time.
4:39 p.m.: Pochettino makes his first change of the game, with Sebastian Berhalter coming in for Pepi.
Pepi, who started in place of Pulisic, performed well. He was in the fold for the first goal and made a few runs behind the Australian back line to generate chances.
4:33 p.m.: The teams head to the hydration break in the 67th minute, with the U.S. holding onto a 2-0 lead.
The Americans have managed the Australian pressure well while generating a few chances of their own, though not tallying any shots on goal. Neither team has been able to capitalize.
4:31 p.m.: Freese makes his second save of the game on Australia's Metclaf after the Americans failed to clear the ball.
Then, seconds later, Irankunda gets shouldered down by Richards and Freese heads it away. Though, play continues with no foul.
4:27 p.m.: Australia has a chance, with the 20-year-old Nestory Irankunda finding Cristian Volpano, who sails it over the net.
In the 62nd minute, the U.S. still leads. But, Australia will get some chances down the stretch.
4:21 p.m.: The United States picks up its first yellow card of the game, with Robinson taking out an Australian player and getting the card.
In the 56th minute, the U.S. still leads 2-0.
4:17 p.m.: Balogun had space after getting played in by Adams, though the ball gets under its feet and it's blocked by the Australian defender.
It's a corner for the U.S.
4:08 p.m.: The second half is about to begin in Seattle.
The United States has a 2-0 lead, and if the result holds will be advancing to the knockout stages. Expect Australia to get a few opportunities while the Americans look to play their game.
Let's see how these 45 minutes unfold.
Halftime: United States 2, Australia 0
3:53 p.m.: Right before the halftime whistle, Freeman finds Dest at the top of the box, but it's saved by Patrick Beach. On the other end, Australia gets bodied by Freeman right halftime.
After 45 minutes, the United States sits in an incredible position, holding a 2-0 lead behind an own goal and Freeman's header. If the result holds, the Americans will take a commanding hold of Group D while also clinching a spot in the knockout stages, which they have never done with group stage games remaining.
🇺🇸 FIRST HALF FEELIN' 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ZYten7eV01— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 19, 2026
All's going well for the United States, but expect a response from Australia.
United States 2, Australia 0
3:46 p.m. GOAL: The U.S. wins the free kick, and it makes Australia pay.
Antonee Robinson finds Dest on the top of the box, and though the shot is blocked, the 21-year-old Alex Freeman heads it home. Though it was called offsides, VAR overturns it as the Seattle crowd explodes.
ALEX FREEMAN MAKES IT 2-0 AMERICA! 🇺🇸
The goal is confirmed for the @USMNT after a VAR check! pic.twitter.com/jTGJxaXk52— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026
It's Freeman's first ever World Cup goal and third for the USMNT, and more importantly, it gives the United States a 2-0 lead. The United States have a multiple-goal cushion with halftime approaching.
3:43 p.m.: Dest and Tillman run a two-man game in the corner, and it wins a free kick for the U.S.
Dest has performed well in the final third, making an impact from his first goal against Senegal to the game against Paraguay.
3:39 p.m.: Alex Freeman and Pual Okon-Engstler collided, but both are on their feet now and are being checked for concussions.
We reached the 40th minute.
3:32 p.m.: The United States has already made history today, benefitting from own goals in back-to-back World Cup games.
The @USMNT is the first team in Men's FIFA World Cup history to benefit from an own goal in two consecutive matches@JohnStrong pic.twitter.com/vuFnhB2CXw— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026
3:26 p.m.: We're at the hydration break in Seattle, with the United States taking a 1-0 lead through the first quarter of the game.
The own goal stands as the difference; the United States has 63% possession, 126 accurate passes and has been the better team so far.
3:23 p.m.: It's a chance for the Australians, who whip the ball into the box but it's out of bounds before threatening Freese.
Australia now has a corner.
3:16 p.m.: The United States continues to dominate, holding the ball and generating chances.
McKennie had a chance on a corner, but his header was blocked by a defender. Then, he gets hit in the face by Jordan Bos, the first yellow card of the game.
United States 1, Australia 0
3:11 p.m. GOAL: For the second straight game, the United States opens up the scoring with an own goal.
It was Balogun who created it, driving down the line and throwing the ball in front, and it goes off Australian centerback Cameron Burgess and in.
1-0! GOOOOAL FOR USA! 🇺🇸
Flo Balogun charges in and the @USMNT finds the back of the net on the own goal pic.twitter.com/GdivDaeNt9— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026
Just like that, the United States leads.
3:05 p.m.: Australia is on its heels, with the USMNT dominating possession. But, the Socceroos are fine with that, controlling the ball for less than 30% of the time in the opener against Turkey.
Pepi had a good early look, but there's a whistle in the box.
3:00 p.m.: We have kicked off in Seattle.
Stay tuned for live updates throughout the game as the United States looks to go atop Group D.
2:59 p.m.: The Seattle crowd is roaring.
The national anthem plays at Seattle Stadium 🇺🇸
Today marks the first-ever FIFA World Cup match in Seattle for the @USMNT pic.twitter.com/BgLRFsUKHr— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026
It's time for one of the biggest games in USMNT history.
2:51 p.m.: The teams are about to come out of the tunnel. With a win, the U.S. advances to the knockout stages; with Australia winning its opener, the winner of the game will also take the top of Group D into Matchday 3.
2:43 p.m.: It's almost time.
There's tremendous excitement and an amazing atmosphere in Seattle as fans prepare to march to Lumen Field for the US national team's second match against Australia.pic.twitter.com/AnxQuRjap2— The thinker man (@kwekuedilson) June 19, 2026
With a win, the United States would clinch a spot in the knockout stages.
2:35 p.m.: The fans are ready in Seattle.
🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅 pic.twitter.com/Kg5EH7iKxC— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 19, 2026
2:25 p.m.: Warmups are underway in Seattle, with kickoff under an hour away.
Here we go! pic.twitter.com/qSzafoHEFy— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 19, 2026
2:15 p.m.: Here is the starting lineup for today's match. Pochettino keeps 10 of 11 starters, with Ricardo Pepi taking the spot of Pulisic.
STARTING IN SEATTLE! 🫡#USMNT x The @HomeDepot pic.twitter.com/wqyncaR7SS— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 19, 2026
2:06 p.m.: After the opener in Los Angeles, the United States heads north for today's matchup at Lumen Field in Seattle. Look at the environment before kickoff.
🗣️ U-S-A pic.twitter.com/XaPBL4bPnC— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 19, 2026
2:00 p.m.: The biggest news of today's clash is that Christian Pulisic will not feature. Pulisic suffered a calf injury in the first half of the opener against Paraguay and is not fit to go.
EXCLUSIVE: USA star Christian Pulisic is OUT today with a calf injury against Australia and Ricardo Pepi will get the start, USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino tells FOX Sports’ @JennyTaft. pic.twitter.com/ZobSiOfjYx— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026
Here is what coach Mauricio Pochettino had to say about the USMNT's star.
How to watch USA vs. Australia: TV channel, live stream
- TV channel: FOX
- Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website
This match will air nationally on FOX in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.
The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up a for a FREE trial.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Stream USA vs. Australia live
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USA vs. Australia start time
- Date: Friday, June 19
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
USA vs. Australia is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. ET on Friday, June 19. The game will be played at Lumen Field in Seattle.
World Cup schedule today and tomorrow
Friday, June 19
- USA vs. Australia (3 p.m.)
- Scotland vs. Morocco (6 p.m.)
- Brazil vs. Haiti (8:30 p.m.)
- Turkey vs. Paraguay (11 p.m.)
Saturday, June 20
- Netherlands vs. Sweden (1 p.m.)
- Germany vs. Ivory Coast (4 p.m.)
- Ecuador vs. Curaçao (8 p.m.)
MORE: Complete World Cup schedule and fixtures
2026 FIFA World Cup FAQs
When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It will be the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?
The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 host cities in North America, with matches taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first men's World Cup hosted by three countries.
The 16 host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle in the United States; Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; and Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. The larger field also means more matches, more knockout-round games and more countries involved than ever before.
The 48 teams are Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Curaçao, Czechia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.
How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?
There will be 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That includes the group stage, knockout rounds and the final.
Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Streaming options will depend on the match, language and broadcast partner. In the U.S., Fox Sports lists FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for English-language coverage, while Telemundo will stream every match live on Peacock and the Telemundo App for Spanish-language coverage.
What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?
In the U.S., English-language matches are expected across FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for those without cable, while Spanish-language coverage will air on Telemundo and Universo, which you can stream on DIRECTV and Peacock.
When is the 2026 World Cup final?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA's tournament name for MetLife Stadium.
What time do World Cup games start?
Kickoff times vary by date, host city and round. Because the tournament is being played across multiple time zones in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans should check the official match schedule for start times in their local time zone.
Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. The United States automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup as one of the three host nations, along with Canada and Mexico.
Jake Mozarsky
Jake Mozarsky joined NESN as an Editorial Intern in March 2026 after earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwestern University. He has previously written for Marquee Sports Network, Chicago This Week, Inside NU and The Daily Northwestern.
Source: NESN
