The U.S. national team secured a 2-0 victory over Australia in a Group D match of the 2026 World Cup in Seattle, officially booking their place in the round of 32. Coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed hope that Christian Pulisic will return for the next match after missing this game due to a calf injury.
Pulisic was unable to play against Australia after picking up an injury in the opening win over Paraguay. Despite the absence of their most important attacking player, the U.S. found a way to score. They took the lead in the 11th minute thanks to an own goal from Australian defender Cameron Burgess. Just before halftime, Alex Freeman headed in a second goal after VAR reviewed and overturned an initial offside call.
“It was tough not having a full squad. Christian is an important player for us, but he couldn't play today. We hope he'll be ready for the next game,” Pochettino said.
With six points from two matches, the U.S. has officially advanced to the knockout stage with one group game remaining. Pochettino emphasized that success at the World Cup requires contributions from the entire team, not just one star. “If we want to win, we need the whole team. All players must be important. Christian is one of the best players in the world, and I hope he recovers soon,” he added.
Midfielder Weston McKennie praised the depth of the U.S. squad: “We can play physical because we have players ready, and we also have people with enough quality to play a possession game.”
The U.S. will face Turkey in their final group match on Thursday at Los Angeles Stadium.
