U.S. clinches spot in WC Knockout Round with 2-0 win over Australia
June 19, 2026, Seattle Stadium in Seattle, Washington
The United States Men's National Soccer Team (USMNT) defeated Australia 2-0 today, in their second group stage match of the FIFA World Cup.
Playing in front of a sold-out home crowd at Lumen Field in Seattle, the victory officially clinched a spot for the United States in the Round of 32 knockout stage. This is the first time since the inaugural World Cup in 1930 that the U.S. men have won their first two matches at the tournament.
The U.S. opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Folarin Balogun sent a sharp cross into the box that deflected off Australian defender Cameron Burgess into his own net for an own goal. In the 43rd minute, U.S. defender Alex Freeman, the 21-year-old son of former NFL champion Antonio Freeman, doubled the lead by heading home a deflection off a Sergiño Dest shot.
In the second half Mauricio Pochettino's side absorbed heavy pressure from the Socceroos. With a composed defense and two saves from goalkeeper Matt Freese, the U.S. secured a clean sheet.
Scoring:
USA - Own Goal (Cameron Burgess) - 11th minute
USA - Alex Freeman - 43rd minute
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