USA, Australia Clash for Group D Lead After Opening Wins

Q: With star player Pulisic injured, can the USMNT breach Australia’s formidable defense in their crucial World Cup showdown?

Yes — even if Christian Pulisic is limited or unavailable, the United States has enough attacking quality to break Australia down, though it is likely to be much harder than the 4-1 win over Paraguay. Pulisic is the Americans’ main creator and was central to the opening win, helping force an own goal and assisting Folarin Balogun before leaving at halftime with a calf issue. Mauricio Pochettino said the winger felt tightness and “could not walk” after the first half, but the full week between matches gives him a chance to recover. His status matters because his dribbling and movement between the lines are the U.S. team’s clearest source of individual invention. Still, the U.S. showed against Paraguay that it is not a one-man attack. Balogun scored twice and now has 11 goals in 28 U.S. appearances, while Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Ricardo Pepi and others give Pochettino multiple ways to attack a compact defense. Reyna in particular offers a creative option if Pulisic cannot start. Australia’s defense will test that depth. The Socceroos are expected to sit in a compact 5-4-1, rely on physicality, and protect goalkeeper Mat Ryan with the aerial strength of Harry Souttar. They also carry a set-piece threat of their own. The matchup suggests the U.S. can score, but probably not freely. If Pulisic plays, the Americans’ chances improve significantly. If he does not, Balogun and Reyna become the key figures in trying to unlock a disciplined Australian block.

3 articles · Updated · MLSsoccer.com · Jun 14

Friday’s Group D match in Seattle will put the United States and Australia head-to-head for first place after both opened the 2026 World Cup with victories.
The U.S. routed Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles behind a Folarin Balogun brace, while Christian Pulisic came off at halftime as he manages a calf injury.
Australia beat Türkiye 2-0 with goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, using a disciplined defensive display to contain Arda Güler and Hakan Çalhanoğlu.
The 48-team tournament sends the top two teams in each group plus the eight best third-place finishers into the Round of 32, making a second straight win a major step toward qualification.
The U.S. closes group play against Türkiye on June 25 in Los Angeles, while Australia finishes the stage the same day against Paraguay.