World Cup 2026 co-hosts United States will aim to take another step towards qualification when they take on Australia on this evening at 8pm (UK time).
United States were in stunning form in their opening game of the World Cup, beating Paraguay 4-1. Mauricio Pochettino’s side looked to be in top form and will be aiming to follow that victory up with another convincing win.
Australia were also on the right end of their result, although it was more of a shock. The came out 2-0 winners against Turkey, one of the supposed dark horses of the tournament. It was a win that gives the Socceroos a great chance of progression to the knockout stages.
This fixture has some added spice following those results, with the victor in this contest taking total control of Group D and almost assuring themselves of topping the group.
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United States vs Australia team news
United States team news
The biggest news ahead of kick off is that Christian Pulisic has been ruled out of the match with Australia. He’s been replaced by Ricardo Pepi but the rest of the starting eleven remains the same.
Mauricio Pochettino opted to play Matt Freese in goal, starting ahead of the established Matt Turner. He’s continues there this week, with Pochettino trusting his recent form.
Alex Freeman starts at right-back. Chris Richards and Tim Ream are the centre-back partnership, with Antonee Robinson getting the nod ahead of Joe Scally at left-back once more. The central midfield duo of Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie pick themselves, as does the attacking pairing of Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman.
It’s somewhat of a surprise that Pepi comes in instead of Gio Reyna but Pochettino will surely look to the youngster in the second half to inject some pace.
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Australia team news
There have been changes in the Australia line up too.
Patrick Beach keeps his place in goal after his incredible performance against Turkey. The five in front of him also remain the same, with Tony Popovic opting for stability in his back line.
Midfield is where the changes have been rung. Despite his goal against Turkey, Nestory Irankunda drops to the bench, with Nishan Velupillay preferred on the left wing. The opposite flank sees a change, too. Connor Metcalfe is replaced by Mathew Leckie. Aiden O’Neill and Paul Okon-Engstler remain the central areas.
Mo Toure keeps his place in attack, with the Norwich City striker winning his fitness battle.
United States vs Australia confirmed lineups
United States (4-2-3-1): Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson; Adams, Tillman; Dest, Pepi, McKennie; Balogun.
Australia (5-4-1): Beach; Italiano, Circati, Souttar, Burgess, Bos; Leckie, Okon-Engstler, O’Neill, Velupillay; Toure
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