World Cup 2026 | United States 2 - 0 Australia

The United States are guaranteed to finish top of their World Cup group

They beat Australia with a dominant, high-tempo display in front of a boisterous sell-out crowd in Seattle.

Author | Ajay

Stadium | Seattle Stadium

The US secured a place in the last 32 with back-to-back World Cup victories for the first time since 1930, and were later confirmed as group winners after Turkey lost to Paraguay.

The tournament co-hosts were without talisman Christian Pulisic because of a calf injury, but they subjected Australia to relentless pressure in the first half, which brought two goals.

Closer analysis of what happened

Australia defender Cameron Burgess inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 11th minute after US striker Folarin Balogun raced to the byline and squared across the face of goal.

Mauricio Pochettino's side doubled their lead minutes before half-time when Alex Freeman reacted quickest to a deflected Sergino Dest effort and headed past Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach. The goal was awarded following a video assistant referee (VAR) review after initially being ruled out for offside.

Balogun scored twice in the US' 4-1 win against Paraguay on matchday one and impressed again, although he squandered a good chance early in the second half when sent through on goal.

Australia barely threatened after Mohamed Toure forced a save with a low shot 40 seconds into the match, but they improved after the break following the introduction of Nestory Irankunda.

The 20-year-old was a surprise omission from the starting XI after scoring in the 2-0 win over Turkey, and quickly showed his threat when he burst down the flank and squared for Cristian Volpato, who fired over.

The intensity of the US press understandably dropped as the second half wore on, but Socceroos captain Harry Souttar was unable to capitalise on a knockdown from a free-kick.

The US will face one of the third-placed sides in the round of 32.