Jon Eimer Backs Over 2.5 Goals in USMNT-Australia Match, Extending 18-9 World Cup Run

Q: Why does an expert predict a high-scoring game when the US is missing its best attacker?

Because the over bet is about total goals, not just whether the U.S. can replace Christian Pulisic’s production. Jon Eimer’s case for Over 2.5 is rooted in what both teams showed in their openers. The United States scored four against Paraguay, with Folarin Balogun in form and other attacking options such as Gio Reyna, Tim Weah, Ricardo Pepi and Brenden Aaronson available to absorb some of Pulisic’s absence. Mauricio Pochettino’s side also plays aggressively and has been strong in Seattle, where the U.S. has a perfect record. Australia also contributes to the over argument. The Socceroos beat Turkiye 2-0 and have a dangerous transition threat in Nestory Irankunda, while the U.S. defense is not viewed as airtight after conceding to Paraguay. If Australia scores once, the match only needs two U.S. goals—or vice versa—to clear 2.5. There is also a game-state factor. This is a pivotal Group D match, and a win would send either team through. If one side scores early, the other may have to open up, which often creates more chances at both ends. That said, not every analyst agrees. Some have argued for the under because Pulisic’s absence reduces the U.S. attack and because Australia often sits deep in a compact low block. But the expert backing the over is essentially betting that both teams’ recent attacking form, squad depth and the stakes of the match outweigh the loss of one star attacker.

3 articles · Updated · SportsLine · Jun 19

Over 2.5 goals is one of Jon Eimer’s revealed bets for Friday’s USMNT-Australia World Cup 2026 match, with the SportsLine analyst also holding another plus-money pick behind a paywall.
18-9-2 is Eimer’s World Cup 2026 record so far, part of a broader 31-13-2 soccer run this year that SportsLine says has produced more than $1,200 in Champions League profit.
4-1 and 2-0 opening wins put the United States and Australia level on points in Group D, with the Americans ahead on goal difference and able to clinch a Round of 32 place with a victory.
Christian Pulisic has been ruled out with a calf injury ahead of the 3 p.m. ET kickoff in Seattle, where FanDuel lists the USMNT at -160, Australia at +420 and the draw at +320.