No hospitality, no mercy: Americans power past Australia to punch ticket to World Cup knockouts

Perfect second group-stage round for the hosts. Yesterday, Canada dismantled Qatar 6-0, and Mexico beat South Korea 1-0, booking their place in the knockout phase. Tonight, the USA followed in their southern neighbours’ footsteps and advanced to the next stage, with a 2-0 win over Australia, sending them through.

The Socceroos stunned Turkey in the previous round, and their defence functioned ideally against the European team. Tonight, they were nowhere near a surprise, as the USA had a two-goal lead at the break, thanks to Cameron Burgess own goal and Alex Freeman’s strike.

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Only after Nestory Irankunda came off the bench - though it’s unclear why he didn’t start - did Australia start playing and threatening, but they didn’t have enough time to avoid defeat.

The impression is that Tony Popovic’s decision to shuffle the starting lineup proved costly and sealed his team’s fate. The Socceroos - or rather, their manager - threw the first half out the window, and it cost them the match.

Both managers sprung certain surprises on their starting lineups. And while the USA boss Mauricio Pochettino lost the team's biggest star, Christian Pulisic, to injury, the Australia head coach Tony Popovic decided to bench both scorers from his side's 2-0 win against Turkey - Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe.

Unfortunately for the 52-year-old tactician, this unexpected tactical move didn't pay off, as the Americans took control of the game from the first referee's whistle.

Weston McKennie and Serginho Dest's attempts just threatened Australia, but in the 11th minute, the visitors were hit hard - and by their own player!

The scorer of a brace in the first group-stage round against Paraguay, Folarin Balogun, made a terrific solo run, charging towards the rivals' goal. He whipped a low cross into the box, where Cameron Burgess reacted clumsily, smashing the ball into his own net and scoring the seventh own goal in the 2026 World Cup.

Despite the early lead, the US offensive continued, as Australia struggled to retain possession and find space going forward. With momentum firmly on their side, the Americans landed another blow and headed into half-time 2–0 up thanks to Alex Freeman's 45th-minute goal.

After being humbled, Popovic admitted his mistake and showed that he learned the lesson, subbing on Irankunda and Metcalfe at the break, but the damage had already been done.

The Socceroos' tactical change left more room for the Americans' counterattacks, as the one in the 52nd minute could have brought another goal in Patrick Beach's net, but Balogun wasted a colossal opportunity.

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The first chance for Australia came in the 62nd minute when two subs created a good goal-scoring situation. Still, Cristian Volpato failed to exploit Irankunda's good run and pass, firing the ball over the bar.

As the end of the match approached, Popovic's men pressed higher and harder in search for (at least) a consolation goal. They showed plenty of desire, but it didn’t translate into many chances. The hosts saw the game out smartly and preserved their clean sheet.

Thanks to this victory, the USA don't have to worry about the progress to the knockout phase anymore, as it's now sealed, while the battle for the top of the table remains open. As for Australia, they still have solid odds to advance, though their situation will depend on the outcome of the second-round clash between Turkey and Paraguay (06.00).

WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE (ROUND 2)

Group D

Friday 19.06.

USA - Australia 2-0 (2-0)

/Burgess 11 og, Freeman 43/

Saturday 20.06.

06.00: (2.10) Turkey (3.35) Paraguay (3.60)

***odds are subject to change***