The USMNT came into the 2026 World Cup and started things off with a bang, beating Paraguay 4-1! The start was perfect, and the vibes are through the roof. Now it's time for the USA's second game of Group D play as they take on Australia!
This is set to be the marquee matchup of the group as both teams have the chance to get a huge leg up. In a 48-team tournament, getting six points gives teams a 99%-100% chance to make the knockout rounds. There's a lot on the line for these two nations, which got three points from their first group-stage games.
The USA won its first game in blowout fashion, and so did Australia. The Socceroos beat Türkiye 2-0 in a game that surprised just about everyone in the world, except Australians. Many expected this Australian team to be a pushover, and that's not the case. The Aussies are tough, defensively sound, and lethal on the counterattack. This is the opposite of the USA's fast-paced movement with the ball and high-pressing defense without it.
Sergiño Dest at the right wingback position will be a key player for the USA. He will have a role in breaking down Australia's defense and will then need to be positionally aware to stop Australia's key man, Nestory Irankunda. Irankunda is a fast and decisive winger who thrives in open space. If the Socceroos are able to hurt the USA, it will be down Australia's left flank at the foot of Irankunda!
Both of these teams play with "five" defenders. Australia uses its formation to solidify defense, whereas the USA uses it to get numbers forward wide in attack. The keys to the game are simple: can the USMNT break down Australia's low block, and can Australia hit the USA on the counterattack?
The USMNT's ability to play the ball through a low block will be the key to the game. Players like Malik Tillman, Weston McKennie, and Christian Pulisic will have huge ability on the ball. On that note, Pulisic has been dealing with a calf injury. Could that hinder his and the USA's chances of finding a way through to the goal? We shall see, but one thing is certain: the USMNT will need to be ready for a fight to get any goals in this match.
Projected USA Starting XI vs Australia. Formation: 3-4-2-1
GK: Freese
CB: Ream CB: M. Robinson CB: Freeman
LWB: A. Robbinson CM: Tillman CM: Adams RWB: Dest
AM: Pulisic AM: McKennie
ST: Balogun
The Socceroos will look to defend, frustrate, and then break the USA. They have a back five all of the time, as their outside backs don't bomb forward like the USA. Instead, the Aussies use a four-man midfield tasked with creating fast breaks. Connor Metcalfe, Aiden O'Neill, and Paul Okon-Engstler will look to be the providers for the goal-dangerous winger Nestory Irankunda and lone striker Mohamed Touré.
Projected Australia Starting XI vs USA. Formation: 5-4-1
GK: Beach
LB: Italiano CB: Circati CB: Souttar CB: Burgess RB: Bos
RM: Metcalfe CM: O'Neill CM: Okon-Engstler RM: Irankunda
ST: Touré
Both of these teams are in a great spot. They know that a win all but ensures their qualification out of the group stage. If there is a winner in this game and a draw in the Türkiye-Paraguay match, then Group D will have its first team to advance. Will that team be the USMNT? They have the talent, but will they need to weather the storm that is Australia?
The Socceroos are no pushover team, no matter what some pundits may say. They are used to being the underdog; can they embody this and be the first team to beat a host at the 2026 World Cup?
This game should be much closer than the matchday one affairs. Tune in at 3 pm ET on Fox, Telemundo, Peacock, Universo, or Fubo Sports to find out!
