The U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Australia 2-0 on Friday at Lumen Field in Seattle, becoming the first American squad in history to qualify for the newly created Round of 32 knockout stage after just two matches.
The victory came despite star forward Christian Pulisic sitting out with a calf injury.
Australian defender Cameron Burgess gifted the U.S. an early lead with an own goal in the 11th minute. 21-year-old Alex Freeman doubled the advantage in the 43rd minute, scoring just before halftime to make it 2-0.
The 2026 tournament is the first-ever 48-team World Cup, and the USMNT officially became the first squad in American history to qualify for the newly created Round of 32 knockout stage.
Historically, the USMNT has scraped through to the knockout rounds on the final matchday of group play. Securing advancement with a game to spare is unprecedented for the program.
1-0! GOOOOAL FOR USA! 🇺🇸
Flo Balogun charges in and the @USMNT finds the back of the net on the own goal pic.twitter.com/GdivDaeNt9
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026
The shutout secured the team’s first clean sheet in ten matches, establishing a defensive solidity under coach Mauricio Pochettino that the team has lacked on the world stage.
ALEX FREEMAN MAKES IT 2-0 AMERICA! 🇺🇸
The goal is confirmed for the @USMNT after a VAR check! pic.twitter.com/jTGJxaXk52
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026
The Americans set up the early advancement with their tournament opener, a 4-1 victory over Paraguay.
The USMNT will close out group play on Thursday, June 25th at 10:00 p.m. ET when they face Turkey at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. That match is now stress-free, with knockout-stage placement already locked.
