SEATTLE — Ahead of their matchup against Australia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, questions swirled about how the United States would fare against the Socceroo's after it was announced star Christian Pulisic would not play due to a calf injury. Despite this, the United States overcame Australia 2-0 to advance to the knockout round of the World Cup.  

“C.P. is a fantastic player, the quality and the leadership that he gives us,” Folarin Balogun said in a postgame press conference. “We didn’t have him today, but I think you saw we’re still capable to go out there and get a result and put up a performance. The fans are helping us to be confident as well, not just me.” 

After the U.S. got a feel for the Australian defense they went on the attack, earning their first goal of the day around the 10-minute mark. After the ball was kicked in stride with Balogun, he drove the ball into the box with a defender on his heels.  

While trying to kick it inside to a teammate, the ball ricocheted off Australias Cameron Burgess and into the net to take a 1-0 lead.  

“I want to be dangerous,” Balogun said. “I want to create opportunities, and it might not always be myself that scores, but if I can force an error that gives us the lead then for me it's like a goal as well. It was a special start to the game to give us the momentum and then I think we carried that out.” 

From there, the attack remained aggressive, but the Australian defense held firm. Despite a stiff defense, the U.S. controlled the ball and the pace of the game. In the 43rd minute of the first half, Antonee Robinson was tasked with a corner kick.  

The box was packed with players, so he booted it to Sergino Dest, who was positioned at the top of the box and took a shot. Though it was blocked, the airtime gave Alex Freeman enough time to position himself right in front of the net for a header to score the Americans second goal of the half.  

Originally ruled offside, review determined Freeman was not offside and the goal counted.  

With a 2-0 lead, the Americans held on to the final whistle of the game, not allowing Australia any opportunity to make a comeback. They dominated possession, U.S. controlling the ball 62% of the game while the Socceroos only had it 38% of the game.  

The U.S. also utilized effective passing, recording 444 accurate passes compared to Australia’s 219.  

When asked about Freeman’s progression, Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino had high praise for his player.  

“The player is doing a fantastic job; the evolution is massive,” Pochettino said. “He's a humble guy. He wants to learn; he always listens. He's a player that you really enjoy being with, and he's an amazing player for me and has potential to be one of the best players in his position in the world.” 

With the win, the U.S. are the Group D winner and will play a Round of 32 match July 1 in Santa Clara, Calif., against a third-place group finisher. This is also the first consecutive win for the Americans in the World Cup since 1930.  

As they move ahead on the world stage, Pochettino remains confident in his team.  

“It’s much better when you show good performances and win the games,” the coach said. “I think that makes it easier, at the same time, it’s (important) to keep believing. To be sure that we are going to arrive in good condition like we arrived in the last two games we need to work hard, we need to be responsible, and we need to have discipline.” 

BOX SCORE: 

USA: 2-0: 2 

AUS: 0-0: 0 

    Australia's Paul Okon-Engstler fights for the ball with United States' Weston McKennie, right, during the World Cup Group D soccer match between the United States and Australia in Seattle, Friday, June 19.
  

    Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach fails to stop a goal by United States' Alex Freeman, center, during the World Cup Group D soccer match between the United States and Australia in Seattle, Friday, June 19.
  

    Australia's Cameron Burgess (21) scores an own goal during the World Cup Group D soccer match between the United States and Australia in Seattle, Friday, June 19.