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Arun - June 19, 2026
The United States and Australia meet at Lumen Field in Seattle on Friday in what is effectively a straight shootout for top spot in Group D.
Both sides won their opening fixtures in emphatic fashion, the USA hammered Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles while Australia produced the shock of the group by beating Turkey 2-0.
Our USA vs Australia prediction has a full breakdown of the match, but a win here for either side would put them in a commanding position to reach the knockout rounds.
Mauricio Pochettino is expected to name an unchanged side from the Paraguay win. The 4-1 victory was the USA’s largest winning margin in World Cup history, and there is little reason to tinker with what worked.
The only concern heading into this match is Christian Pulisic, who was withdrawn at half-time against Paraguay with a calf problem. Both Pochettino and captain Tyler Adams have since confirmed that Pulisic is fit and available for selection, and the AC Milan winger is expected to start.
Folarin Balogun also picked up a minor knock against Paraguay but is equally expected to play. The 24-year-old scored twice on his World Cup debut and almost had a hat-trick, and he will lead the line again with Pochettino showing no concern over his fitness. If either player fails a late test, Giovanni Reyna and Ricardo Pepi are the most likely replacements.
The defensive shape that kept Paraguay at bay for large stretches remains in place. Matt Freese continues in goal. Alex Freeman and Antonee Robinson occupy the full-back positions, with Chris Richards and Tim Ream as the central defensive partnership. Tyler Adams anchors the midfield with Malik Tillman alongside him. Weston McKennie operates in the number ten role, with Sergino Dest on the right flank.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK: Matt Freese
Defenders: Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson
Midfield: Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman
Attacking mid: Sergino Dest, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic
Forward: Folarin Balogun
Australia have no suspensions and head into this match with a largely clean bill of health after their stunning win over Turkey. Tony Popovic is expected to name the same starting eleven that delivered that result, with one question mark over Mohamed Toure, who came off against Turkey with calf cramps.
Reports indicate he should be fit to start, but Tete Yengi is available to deputise if Toure does not recover in time.
The standout performer from matchday one was Patrick Beach, the 22-year-old goalkeeper who was a surprise inclusion in the starting lineup and delivered an outstanding display to help shut out Turkey.
Beach keeps his place ahead of the more experienced Mat Ryan. Behind him, Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar and Cameron Burgess form the back three, with Jacob Italiano and Jordan Bos as the wing-backs.
The midfield engine room of Connor Metcalfe, Aiden O’Neill and Paul Okon-Engstler provides energy and pressing intensity. Nestory Irankunda offers pace and directness from wide and will be a key threat against the USA’s back line, which pushes up high and leaves space in behind.
Australia’s counter-attacking approach through Irankunda and Toure is precisely how they hurt Turkey, and Popovic will look to exploit the same space here. For all our World Cup 2026 tips and predictions, head to the hub.
Formation: 3-4-3
GK: Patrick Beach
Defenders: Jacob Italiano, Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar, Cameron Burgess, Jordan Bos
Midfield: Connor Metcalfe, Aiden O’Neill, Paul Okon-Engstler
Forwards: Nestory Irankunda, Mohamed Toure, Tete Yengi.
