The United States men’s national team advanced to the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after falling to Australia in Seattle on Friday (June 19).
The USMNT defeated Australia 2-0 to gain a strong hold and win Group D.
After a gift from Australian defender Cameron Burgess, a dazzling run from Folarin Balogun put the United States 1-0 up in the 11th minute.
Then came Freeman, who scored in the 43rd minute when he first took advantage of a deflected shot and headed the ball into the net.
The victory is all the more remarkable because the USMNT rose to the occasion without forward Christian Pulisic, who was unable to play due to a calf injury.
The victory marks the first time the USMNT has won consecutive matches at a World Cup since 1930.
And the funny thing is, that was also the last time the United States scored two or more goals in the first half of consecutive World Cup matches.
Are Australia out of the World Cup after losing to USMNT?
For the moment, the Socceroos are not out of the race to reach the round of 16.
But it all depends on their final group match against Paraguay; If they win the match, that would give them six points, enough breathing space to keep their hopes alive.
Australia will face Paraguay in the final Group D match on June 26, 2026.
