Updated

Updated · MLSsoccer.com · Jun 19

USMNT Starts Pepi for Injured Pulisic in Group D Match as Win Could Seal 1st Place

Updated

Updated · MLSsoccer.com · Jun 19

USMNT Starts Pepi for Injured Pulisic in Group D Match as Win Could Seal 1st Place

Q: From a refugee camp to the World Cup, can striker Mohamed Touré power Australia to a stunning victory against the host nation?

Yes — Mohamed Touré gives Australia a real upset threat, but he is more likely to be the spearhead of a disciplined team effort than a one-man match-winner against the United States. Touré’s story is one of the tournament’s most compelling. Born in a refugee camp in Guinea after his family fled Liberia’s civil war, he moved to Australia as a child and has risen to lead the Socceroos’ attack on the World Cup stage. That background has made him a symbol of resilience for a young Australian squad. There is substance behind the narrative. The 22-year-old Norwich City striker arrives in strong form, finishing his club season with 13 goal contributions in 12 games, and he has already shown he can translate that promise internationally. He is expected to be central to Tony Popovic’s 5-4-1 setup, which is built to absorb pressure and break quickly. In that system, Touré’s pace, strength and direct running are exactly the qualities Australia need. The challenge is steep. The United States are at home, coming off a 4-1 win over Paraguay, and Mauricio Pochettino’s 3-5-2 gives them numbers in midfield and dangerous width through Jedi Robinson and Sergiño Dest. Australia will likely spend long stretches defending, meaning Touré may get only a few clear chances. That said, Australia already beat Türkiye 2-0 and have shown they can execute a compact, counterattacking plan. If Touré converts one transition or set-piece moment, he could absolutely drive a famous result.

3 articles · Updated · MLSsoccer.com · Jun 19

Ricardo Pepi enters the U.S. starting XI for Friday’s World Cup Group D match against Australia in Seattle, replacing Christian Pulisic after the winger’s calf injury ruled him out of the matchday squad.
Mauricio Pochettino made just 1 lineup change from the 4-1 win over Paraguay, pairing Pepi with Folarin Balogun in a 3-5-2 and again starting Matt Freese in goal and Tim Ream in defense.
A U.S. victory, combined with a Türkiye loss or draw against Paraguay later Friday, would clinch first place in Group D for the tournament co-hosts.
Australia kept Aiden O’Neill in its starting lineup after a 2-0 upset of Türkiye, while goalscorers Connor Metcalfe and Nestory Irankunda begin this match on the bench.