The United States national team [Reuters/Yonhap]
The United States national team [Reuters/Yonhap]

Host nation the United States continued its dominant run on home soil, following up a commanding season-opener win over Paraguay by shutting out Australia to clinch an early berth in the round of 32.

The US men's national team defeated Australia 2-0 Saturday in a Group D second-round match at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The victory gave the United States two consecutive wins and six points, putting them atop Group D and punching their ticket to the knockout stage.

The Americans' high press and wide attacking threat were on display from the opening minutes. The deadlock broke in the 11th minute when forward Folarin Balogun drove down the flank and cut a low, sharp pass back into the box. Australia center back Cameron Burgess, attempting to intercept, deflected the ball into his own net. It was the second consecutive own goal the United States had forced, following Damian Bobadilla's own goal against Paraguay on June 13.

The United States extended their lead before halftime to effectively end the contest. In the 43rd minute, a deflected free kick from Dest floated up and Freeman headed it home to make it 2-0. The goal was initially ruled offside but was awarded after a VAR review.

Australia, having conceded twice in the first half, came out for the second half with tactical adjustments in search of a comeback. Australia had beaten Turkey 2-0 in their opener, but the United States held firm with a compact defensive block, keeping Australia at bay. The Americans saw out the result to the delight of the home crowd, completing a clean-sheet victory.

With their place in the round of 32 secured, the United States will face Turkey in their final Group D match on Friday. Sitting alone atop the group with two wins and six points, the US need at least a draw to clinch first place on their own. Under the expanded 48-team format introduced for this World Cup, the top two teams in each group advance directly to the round of 32. Finishing first would give the United States a favorable draw in the knockout stage.

Australia, now with one win and one loss for three points, must beat Paraguay on the same day to secure automatic advancement. Having beaten Turkey 2-0 in their opener, the Socceroos need a win to clinch a direct round-of-32 berth on their own. Overcoming the psychological blow of conceding an early own goal against the United States will be key.

Turkey, needing to exploit any US slip, and Paraguay, tasked with grinding down Australia, will not go quietly. With the host nation racing clear, the other three teams in Group D begin a survival race for the one remaining automatic berth.


shee@heraldcorp.com