The United States men’s team advanced to the knockout round of the 2026 World Cup after Australia lost in Seattle on Friday, June 19.
The USMNT defeated Australia 2-0 to gain a strong hold and lead Group D.
After a gift from Australian defender Cameron Burgess, a dazzling run by Folarin Balogun put the United States up 1-0 in the 11th minute.
Then came Freeman, who scored in the 43rd minute when he took first advantage of the deflected shot and headed the ball into the net.
The victory is made even more notable by the fact that 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 in a World Cup since 1930.
And the funny thing is that it was also the last time the United States scored two or more goals in the first half of consecutive World Cup games.
Is Australia out of the World Cup after losing to USMNT?
At the moment, the Socceroos are not out of the race to reach the knockout rounds.
But everything depends on the last game of the Group against Paraguay; If they win the match, it would give them six points, enough breathing room to keep their hopes alive.
Australia will play Paraguay in the final match of Group D on June 26, 2026.
