The United States, playing without Christian Pulisic, made a flying start against Australia and led 2-0 by the 75th minute in a 2026 World Cup match. The Americans, who had already beaten Paraguay in their opening game, again looked sharp under Mauricio Pochettino.
Pulisic was absent, but forwards and midfielders kept the pressure on. The opening goal came in the 11th minute after Folarin Balogun sparked a counterattack and delivered a low cross that deflected off Australia defender Cameron Burgess and into his own net.
The hosts doubled the lead shortly before halftime when Alex Freeman scored with a header. The goal initially looked offside, but a VAR review confirmed that Freeman was onside.
In the second half, the United States remained the more dominant side. Australia had a few brief spells of pressure, but the Americans continued to create danger on the break and threatened the goal of Patrick Beach. The match was still ongoing at the time of the report.
