The USA face Australia in Seattle on Friday as World Cup fever has taken over America after the co-hosts dazzled during their 2026 World Cup debut.
But now, can they back it up?
WATCH — USA v Australia, en Espanol
Mauricio Pochettino’s side battered Paraguay 4-1 in LA last week to kick off their tournament in the best possible way. They now know a win against Australia in Seattle will secure them a spot in the knockout rounds, probably as winners of Group D. This is going to be quite the occasion in the Emerald City.
MORE — Live updates on USA vs Australia, follow along here
But Australia go into this game with plenty of confidence as they surprised Turkiye with a 2-0 win in their World Cup opener in Vancouver. Tony Popovic’s side will sit back and defend deep and then launch counters galore as their towering side is also a real threat from set pieces. The Socceroos also aren’t happy about some of the comments ahead of this game from U.S. media.
How to watch USA vs Australia live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 3pm ET Friday (June 19)
Venue: Lumen Field — Seattle
TV Channel: Telemundo
Streaming: Stream live on Peacock, en Espanol
USA team news, focus
The main injury focus around the USMNT is star winger Christian Pulisic. He came off at half time with a calf injury against Paraguay and hasn’t trained with the team since. He has been listed as ‘day-to-day’ by U.S. Soccer and it seems like Pochettino may not risk Pulisic from the start against Australia. Other than that, Poch will likely go with the same team although Gio Reyna, Sebastian Berhalter, Ricardo Pepi and Tim Weah are all pushing hard for minutes. If Pulisic isn’t fit to start, Berhalter will likely come in for him.
Australia team news, focus
The Socceroos will start in a 5-4-1 formation and sit deep, then spring counter attacks whenever they can. Watford’s Nestroy Irankunda, 20, scored a beauty in their win against Turkiye and has an eye for goal from free kicks. Norwich City’s Mohamed Traore, 22, is also a real fox in the box up top and will keep the U.S. on their toes.
USA vs Australia prediction
This feels like it could be a draw but given the confidence the U.S. gained from that opening win, they will get it done to take control of Group D. USA 2-1 Australia.
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