US Men's Soccer Team Beats Australia, Secures World Cup Knockout Spot

The United States men's national soccer team secured its place in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Australia on Friday in Seattle. In Group D's second match, Folarin Balogun broke into the penalty area in the 11th minute and sent a pass toward goal, which Australian defender Cameron Burgess inadvertently deflected into his own net. Just before halftime, in the 44th minute, a cross into the box deflected off an Australian player and fell to Alexander Freeman, who made it 2-0. The second half saw no dangerous opportunities for either side, and the match ended with the US victory. In Group D standings, the US has six points, Australia has three, while Turkey and Paraguay have zero points after their first matches. This World Cup marks the first edition with 48 teams, divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage. The group stage concludes on June 27, with the round of 32 starting on June 28. Semifinals are scheduled for July 14 and 15, the bronze medal match on July 18, and the final on July 19. Argentina won the previous World Cup in 2022 in Qatar.