The USA continued their 100% record at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after securing an ultimately comfortable 2-0 win over Australia in Seattle.
Both goals came in a very impressive first-half display, as Cameron Burgess’ own goal and Alex Freeman’s header leave Mauricio Pochettino’s side on the brink of securing their place in the knockout stages.
Buoyed on by a ferocious crowd in the Pacific Northwest, The Socceroos had few answers to a display of blistering intensity from the tournament co-hosts.
Their deserved opener came in the 11th minute when Folarin Balogun’s cross from the left was turned into his own net by Burgess.
It was effectively one-way traffic before the break, and some poor Australia defending resulted in a second US goal.
Antonee Robinson’s free-kick from the right fell to Sergino Dest on the edge of the box, and his shot deflected up into the path of Freeman to head home past Patrick Beach.
The goal was initially chalked off for offside, but a VAR review overturned the call and moved the US 2-0 in front.
Australia improved considerably after the restart, but struggled to put US goalkeeper Matt Freese under enough pressure between the sticks.
Their best chance of the match fell to substitute Cristian Volpato, who blazed over from close range.
The game will also be remembered for a light-hearted moment when Felix Zwayer went down with cramp. Fortunately, Balogun was on hand to help.
Both teams are back in action a week today, as the USA face Turkey in Los Angeles, while Australia take on Paraguay in San Francisco.
