The USMNT fought its way back from a goal down for the second time this international break, only this time Mauricio Pochettino’s side was rewarded with a 2-1 victory over Australia in Denver, Colorado, on Tuesday.
WATCH — USMNT v Australia full match replay
The Yanks drew Ecuador 1-1 after falling behind early in the game on Friday, courtesy of Folarin Balogun’s equalizer midway through the second half. On Tuesday, it was Haji Wright, another striker who hopes to win the starting job ahead of the 2026 World Cup, who got on the scoresheet not once, but twice. Wright is in sensational form for Frank Lampard’s Coventry City this season, scoring 9 goals in 11 appearances across all competitions for the Championship leaders, and took his two chances fantastically well against the Socceroos.
Christian Pulisic leaves game with (hopefully minor) ankle injury
USMNT captain (on the night) Christian Pulisic was forced off after just 30 minutes due to an apparent ankle injury that he suffered in the first half. Pulisic was the victim of a pair of tackles by Australia’s Jason Geria. The first one occurred in the 15th minute, when Geria slid in and won the ball around Pulisic, but landed on his planted right foot and ankle. Geria again clipped Pulisic from behind in the 26th minute, this time on the heel, as he raced away and looked to play the ball upfield. Pulisic walked off the field under his own power and without a major limp. The best possible outcome here is that the substitution was just precautionary.
What’s next?
The USMNT host Paraguay in Chester, Pennsylvania on November 15 and Paraguay in Tampa, Florida three days later.
USMNT vs Australia final score: 2-1
Goalscorers: Jordan Bos (19'), Haji Wright (34', 51')
USMNT vs Australia live updates — by Andy Edwards
GOAL! USA 2-1 Australia: Wright curls a beauty inside the far post (51')
GOAL! USA 1-1 Australia: Wright fires home at the near post (34')
GOAL! USA 0-1 Australia: Bos weaves his way in an scores (19')
USMNT starting lineup
Freese - Robinson, Richards, McKenzie - Weah, Roldan, McKennie, Sands, Freeman - Wright, Pulisic
Australia starting lineup
Ryan - Geria, Circati, Burgess - Bos, Italiano, O’Neill, Balard - Metcalfe, Boyle, D’Agostino
How to watch USMNT vs Australia live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 9pm ET Tuesday (October 14)
Venue: DSG Park — Commerce City, Colorado
TV Channel: NBC Universo
Streaming: Watch live on Peacock En Espanol
USMNT vs Australia preview — by Joe Prince-Wright
The USMNT drew 1-1 with Ecuador in Austin, Texas on Friday in a promising display as Folarin Balogun scored a late equalizer. Pochettino needed that result, and performance, after some tough outings in recent months. The USMNT still haven’t got all of their starters together for this window, but we now have a very good idea of which players Pochettino wants to go with as the 2026 World Cup on home soil inches closer.
Tony Popovic’s Socceroos will be at the World Cup next summer after rebounding impressively from a slow start in Asian World Cup qualifying. They also recorded an impressive 1-0 win against Canada in Montreal on Friday as Nestory Irankunda scored the winner late on. That means Australia have now won seven games in a row and are 12 games unbeaten and as they approach their sixth-straight World Cup appearance, the hopes are high they can reach the knockout rounds next summer.
USMNT team news, focus
The likes of Haji Wright, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Brenden Aaronson are all pushing to start as Pochettino will surely rotate heavily from the draw against Ecuador. Christian Pulisic could start as he manages some ankle issues. Balogun looked sharp up top and if he can stay fit, he is the leading number nine option for the USMNT but Wright has been in fine form for Coventry City so far this season and should start this one. Malik Tillman is pushing hard to start as he was excellent against Ecuador, while Diego Luna is also looking to build on his positive summer as he stakes his claim for the playmaking role. With Tyler Adams, Johnny Cardoso, Yunus Musah, Ricardo Pepi, Josh Sargent and Sergino Dest not called up for this squad, and Antonee Robinson unavailable to play, the U.S. still has plenty of quality and depth and most of those players will surely be included in the friendlies against Uruguay and Paraguay in November. In-form forward Alejandro Zendejas is out with an injury and has returned to Club America in Mexico.
Australia team news, focus
The Socceroos are solid and steady and Popovic has found a 5-4-1 system which suits them well. They will likely rotate the likes of Mitchell Duke, Daniel Arzani and Mat Ryan in to the lineup for this game against the USMNT. Watford’s Nestory Irankunda is a player to watch out for as he scored the equalizer against Canada but also has a penchant for scoring ridiculous free kicks from distance. Australia will sit in, defend and look to hit the USMNT on the counter whenever they can. Facing Australia is a really good test of where this USMNT side are currently at.
USMNT vs Australia prediction
There will be plenty of rotation from the USMNT but Pochettino will want another positive performance, and result, to keep the good vibes flowing. He will get it. USMNT 2-1 Australia.
