The United States keeps rolling at the World Cup
SEATTLE, WA — The U.S. men’s national team beat Australia 2-0 on Friday and locked up a place in the knockout round of the World Cup. The victory followed last week’s 4-1 win over Paraguay and gave the Americans back-to-back World Cup wins for the first time since the inaugural tournament in 1930, according to FIFA.
The result also underscored how much momentum the squad has built early in the competition. Even without one of its biggest names, the U.S. stayed organized, dangerous and composed enough to handle a veteran Australia side and secure another statement victory.
Pulisic sits out with a calf injury
Christian Pulisic did not play after being ruled out because of a calf injury. Ricardo Pepi took his place in the starting lineup, giving the U.S. a different look in attack from the opening whistle.
Mauricio Pochettino had already said earlier in the day that Pulisic would miss the match. Afterward, the U.S. coach said he hoped the forward would be available for the next game, while stressing that the team will need everyone if it wants to go deep in the tournament.
An own goal and Freeman’s finish make the difference
The Americans got a break when Australia turned the ball into its own net, opening the scoring in the first half. Not long after, Alex Freeman added a second goal to put the match firmly in U.S. control before the break.
Freeman’s goal added another layer to the U.S. story line. He is the son of former Green Bay Packers receiver Antonio Freeman, and he delivered the kind of timely contribution that can matter in a short tournament where depth often decides matches.
Pochettino praises the collective effort
Pochettino again pointed to the importance of the full roster rather than leaning on one star. He said Pulisic is among the best players in the world, but made clear the Americans need every player to be ready as the tournament advances.
That message fit the way the U.S. played against Australia. The team did not rely on a flurry of chances or a single standout performance. Instead, it managed the match efficiently and took advantage of the openings that came its way.
A rare run of World Cup wins for the USMNT
Two straight World Cup victories is a meaningful marker for the U.S. program, which has often struggled to string together results on the biggest stage. The current run suggests a squad with more confidence and balance than many previous American groups.
That does not guarantee anything later in the tournament, but it does give the U.S. a better platform heading into the next round. In a World Cup, form, health and depth all matter, and the Americans have checked enough boxes to keep their hopes alive.
Turkey awaits in the next group match
The United States next faces Turkey on June 25. That match will give Pochettino’s side another chance to build rhythm and test how it responds if Pulisic remains unavailable.
With a knockout spot already secured, the Americans can now focus on fine-tuning the details that matter most in elimination soccer: defensive shape, finishing and keeping key players fresh for the rounds ahead.
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