USMNT Rolls Into World Cup Knockout Round With Dominant 2-0 Win Over Australia

A Statement Win, Without Their Star

For days, questions about the health of star winger Christian Pulisic's left calf had loomed large over the U.S. men's national soccer team. After being kicked in the leg during last week's Paraguay game, the burning question was whether he'd be available for the pivotal second group stage match. In the end, it didn't matter — the U.S. dominated Friday's match against Australia, winning 2-0 even as Pulisic watched his teammates from the sidelines.

The match marked just the second time the U.S. has won two World Cup games in the group stage — the last time the Americans pulled off such a feat was in 1930, the inaugural tournament. That's a staggering statistic that underscores just how significant this moment is for American soccer. The final whistle after eight minutes of stoppage time brought relief, celebration — and more evidence this U.S. team is onto something special this summer.

How the Goals Were Scored

The first goal came courtesy of an Australian own goal from defender Cameron Burgess in the 11th minute, who accidentally knocked a cross from U.S. striker Folarin Balogun into the back of his own net. It was the second own goal from a U.S. opponent in two games, after Paraguay had one a week ago. Opponents, it seems, are finding creative ways to help the Americans.

The second goal came from Alex Freeman off a deflected Sergiño Dest shot in the 43rd minute. Freeman, the breakout pick for the U.S., scored after tracking down a deflected shot to head it home just before halftime. The two-goal cushion at the break proved to be enough, though not without some nerves. The Australians kept up the pressure in the second half, and there were some moments of desperate defending on behalf of the Americans, who had not shut an opponent out since doing so against Japan in an exhibition match in September.

Balogun's Rising Star and Team Momentum

Balogun greatly contributed to the U.S. 4-1 win against Paraguay last week, scoring two goals and becoming the first U.S. player to score multiple times in a game since 1930. The Brooklyn-born, London-raised player could have represented England in the World Cup but chose to join the U.S. men's national team in 2023. His decision is looking better by the match.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino was clearly moved by the atmosphere and his team's performance. "It was an amazing and a perfect connection between the energy from the stands and the team," he said. "I think that makes us feel very proud because to connect with the people is what we wanted." Balogun echoed that sentiment, saying, "I'm aware the country is supporting us and the country is proud of us in each game."

What Comes Next

With six points and a goal difference of plus-five heading into the final group match against Türkiye, the only way the USMNT will not win Group D is if Türkiye beats Paraguay and then also beats the United States. The team's final group stage match against Turkey is set for Thursday, June 26, at 10 p.m. ET in California. The U.S. staff is hopeful Pulisic will be available for the group finale, though given the team's strong standing, it could allow him additional time to rest and prepare for the Round of 32.

The single-elimination Round of 32 begins Sunday, June 28, and runs through July 3. For a program still building its World Cup identity on home soil, the USMNT isn't just surviving the tournament — it's looking like a genuine threat. The rest of the world is starting to take notice.