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The United States men’s national team made a statement to open its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, beating Paraguay 4-1 last week thanks to two goals from Folarin Balogun.
The United States scored less than seven minutes later, taking a 1-0 lead when Paraguayan Damian Bobadilla redirected the ball into his own goal. Fans inside the packed stadium in Inglewood, California, roared as the USMNT took an early lead.
The result gave the United States its largest margin of victory in a World Cup since 1930, when the Americans won twice by 3-0 in the inaugural edition of the tournament.
After opening the tournament in Southern California, the USMNT will stay on the West Coast and travel north to Seattle for their next group stage match against Australia at 3 p.m. ET.
WATCH USA VS AUSTRALIA ON FOX ONE
A view of the ball in the back of the net after the USMNT scored a goal during a FIFA World Cup match against Paraguay in the group stage at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California on June 12, 2026. (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Australia opened their World Cup campaign last week with a 2-0 victory over Turkey.
Under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT entered the tournament as the No. 17 team in the FIFA world rankings. FIFA determines its world rankings using the Elo rating system, which rewards teams for winning and penalizing them for losing, while taking into account the strength of the competition.
The availability of Team USA star midfielder Christian Pulisic remains a question after he was replaced in last week’s win over Paraguay due to a left calf problem. Pulisic said it was a precautionary measure after he was kicked in the calf, adding that he “really hoped it was nothing.”
Supporters of the United States men’s national team celebrate outside Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., Friday, June 12, 2026. (Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT / AFP via Getty Images))
Pochettino said he would consult medical staff before deciding whether Pulisic can play in a crucial Group D match. The outcome of the match could go a long way in determining which team tops the group next week.
“Tonight – the day before the match – we have a meeting with our medical department and we will evaluate the whole group, the players and tomorrow we will communicate on the things we cannot agree on. [on] tonight,” Pochettino told reporters on Thursday. “He is involved[ed]He has been much better since Friday. We’ll see.”
WATCH USA VERSUS AUSTRALIA
This year’s World Cup features an expanded field of 48 teams.
Here’s how to watch the game, including start time, TV information and streaming options.
Sebastian Berhalter and Giovanni Reyna of the United States celebrate their victory during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D match against Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California on June 12, 2026. (Jared C. Tilton/FIFA via Getty Images)
How to watch USA vs Australia
When: Friday, June 19, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET
Or: Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington
TV: FOX
Flow: Watch three days free on FOX One, watch free on Tubi, FOX Sports.
