United States vs Australia — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 2
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026Co-hosts the United States meet Australia in Group D, with Mauricio Pochettino's young American side aiming to deliver on home soil against a typically resilient Socceroos outfit.
The USA build around Christian Pulisic's quality in the final third and the energy of Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams in midfield. Tony Popovic's Australia are organised and hard to break down, with goalkeeper Mat Ryan a steadying presence and Harry Souttar a rock at the back.
Expect the US to see plenty of the ball and Australia to make life difficult, defending in numbers and looking to spring forward in transition. Pulisic's moments of inspiration could be the difference.
Key storylines
- 01Christian Pulisic carrying the creative load for a co-host under home-crowd pressure.
- 02Australia's defensive resilience under Tony Popovic against the US press.
- 03Pochettino's young USA midfield of Adams and McKennie setting the tempo.
Prediction
United States 2-0 Australia
Projected lineups
Projected XI — not confirmed
United States
Formation 4-3-3- 1M. Turner
- 2S. Dest
- 3C. Richards
- 4T. Ream
- 5A. Robinson
- 6T. Adams
- 7W. McKennie
- 8Y. Tillman
- 9C. Pulisic
- 10R. Pepi
- 11T. Weah
Australia
Formation 4-2-3-1- 1M. Ryan
- 2L. Herrington
- 3H. Souttar
- 4C. Burgess
- 5A. Behich
- 6J. Irvine
- 7A. O Neill
- 8M. Leckie
- 9A. Hrustic
- 10M. Mabil
- 11M. Toure
Team news
United States
- Christian Pulisic remains the USA's standout attacking threat.
- Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie anchor midfield.
Australia
- Mat Ryan provides experience and leadership in goal.
- Harry Souttar a key aerial presence at the back.
Sources
Preview is editorial. Projected lineups are not confirmed team sheets.
Predict this match
United StatesAustraliaExact 3 pts · correct result 1 pt
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