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THE United States national team proved they can thrive without talisman Christian Pulisic, secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage after a commanding 2-0 victory over Australia.
The win marks the first time the Americans have recorded consecutive victories at a World Cup tournament since 1930, signalling a significant shift in the depth and capability of the squad under manager Mauricio Pochettino.
AP reported on Saturday, that Pulisic, who currently plays for AC Milan and boasts 33 goals in 87 international appearances, was sidelined for the fixture due to a calf injury.
In previous eras, losing a player of his stature might have derailed an American campaign, reminiscent of their 1994 hosting duties when they scraped through as a best third-place team before being immediately eliminated by Brazil.
However, at this expanded 48-team tournament, the current generation demonstrated a newfound resilience.
Squad depth was illustrated by forward Folarin Balogun, who had previously scored twice in a 4-1 victory over Paraguay.
"C.P. is a fantastic player — the quality and the leadership that he gives us," Balogun said. "We didn’t have him today, but I think you saw we’re still capable to go out there and get a result and put up a performance."
The Americans opened the scoring in the 11th minute following an incisive run down the left flank by Balogun.
His sharp centring pass, intended for striker Ricardo Pepi who had been drafted into the starting line-up to replace Pulisic, never reached its target. Instead, the ball deflected off Australian defender Cameron Burgess and turned into the Socceroos' net for an own goal.
"I want to be dangerous, I want to create opportunities," Balogun reflected. "It might not always be myself that scores, but if I can force an error that gives us the lead, then for me it’s like a goal as well. It was a special start to the game to give us the momentum."
The advantage was doubled in the forty-third minute through a set-piece. Alex Freeman, the youngest member of the squad at twenty-one and son of Super Bowl champion Antonio Freeman, rose to head home a deflected shot from Sergiño Dest, claiming his first international World Cup goal after a lengthy video assistant referee review.
Pochettino spoke highly of the young defender's rapid trajectory after the final whistle.
"He is doing a fantastic job," Pochettino said. "The evolution is massive. He’s so humble. He wants to learn. He always listens. He’s a player that you really enjoy being with him. Not only coaching, but being with him."
The opening 45-minutes of dominance left a stark impression on Australia coach Tony Popovic, whose side struggled to create any meaningful opportunities until just before the interval.
"It did not surprise us because their quality is clear," Popovic admitted. "Their power is clear. Their athleticism is clear. They are not surprising in what they did."
With six goals scored across their opening fixtures, the United States are now just one goal shy of their all-time scoring record for a single World Cup. While expectations are surging domestically ahead of the knockout rounds, Pochettino remains focused on maintaining a balanced perspective.
"I think it’s much better when you show good performances and win the games," Pochettino said. "I think that makes it easier, everything. But, at the same time, it’s important to keep believing."
The match provided definitive proof that the United States possess the roster depth required for a deep tournament run, even when stripped of their primary star.
"We know how vital Christian is to the team and how much he can contribute in the game," Freeman noted. "For us it was, we have Ricardo Pepi, who came in and had an amazing game. I think that just shows how good our roster is." - June 20, 2026
