USA host Australia in the second round of games in World Cup Group D this evening in Seattle, with both sides knowing a win would all but secure a place in the last 32.
The co-hosts come into the game off the back of a statement win over Paraguay in their opener, with Christian Pulisic and co. laying down a marker as they flew to the top of the group. However, talisman Pulisic sustained a leg injury during that clash and faces a race to be fit for this evening’s game.
“He’s evolving,” coach Mauricio Pochettino said of Pulisic in his pre-match press conference on Thursday. “He’s much better from [last] Friday. We’ll see. At the moment, if he’s not available, he will be available for the next game. But I think he’s doing a massive effort trying to be ready.”
Meanwhile, Australia put in a statement performance of their own in an opening win over Turkey, with goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe putting the Socceroos on the verge of the knockout rounds this summer.
Follow all the action from Seattle below, with kick-off set for 12pm local time (8pm BST):
Read MoreUS wary of fired-up Australia fueled by disrespect in crucial World Cup showdown
Meet Folarin Balogun, the accidental American leading USA’s World Cup charge
USA stoke belief in wildest World Cup dreams after dismantling Paraguay in perfect opener
USA vs Australia LIVE
- USA host Australia in World Cup Group A | Live on BBC One, kick-off at 8pm BST
- A win for either side would all but seal a place in the last 32
- The USA dominated Paraguay in their opener, while Australia shocked Turkey
- US talisman Christian Pulisic is in a race to be fit after picking up a leg injury in the opener
How the United States beat Paraguay
15:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt was an impressive first showing from the United States, with Mauricio Pochettino – who had faced plenty of criticism ahead of the tournament – producing a clever tactical plan to dismantle Paraguay – as Adam Clery explains.
Iran to lodge complaint over United States travel restrictions at World Cup
15:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd on the note of off-field issues at this World Cup, Iran are set to lodge an official complaint with Fifa over their travel restrictions.
Iran to lodge complaint over United States travel restrictions at World Cup
Win a copy of Miguel Delaney’s States of Play with his Inside Football newsletter
15:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleWondering how state power has impacted football over the last 25 years? Miguel Delaney is something of an expert on the subject after writing the award-winning States of Play last year. It is now out in paperback form – and you can win a copy!
Win a copy of Miguel Delaney’s States of Play with his Inside Football newsletter
The irony of a World Cup in Trump’s America? The most multinational tournament of all-time
15:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleOff-pitch politics have dominated the build-up to and start of this World Cup, which has rather hidden the fact that it is a more multinational competition than ever before. Miguel Delaney explains the irony at the heart of a tournament indelibly linked to Trump.
The irony of a World Cup in Trump’s America? The most multinational tournament ever
Renewed rivalry
14:45 , Alan SmithSebastian Berhalter recalled October's intense friendly between these sides, during which coach Mauricio Pochettino reportedly chastised his players for not matching the Australians' physicality.
"Watch that match last year, you could see they were up for it," Berhalter said on Tuesday. "I think that's when Mauricio had that halftime rant and he said 'these guys can't kick us around'."
Tim Weah noted the US had become "more aggressive" since, with Berhalter crediting Pochettino for the transformation, stating the Argentine had "showed us Americans what we're about."
Weah optimism
14:30 , Alan SmithDespite Pulisic nursing a calf issue, initially picked up in training and aggravated against Paraguay, teammate Tim Weah expressed optimism on Tuesday that the winger should be able to participate.
"I think he will be ready for the game... I'm just praying to god that he feels 100% fit – he will be needed," Weah stated.
USA v Australia odds
14:15 , Alan SmithUSA - 13/20
Draw - 18/5
Australia - 9/2
Experts: hydration breaks are too short
14:00 , Alan SmithThey are deeply unpopular and the boos inside stadiums are getting louder every day - but some experts reckon three minutes is not enough.
Experts say FIFA’s new World Cup hydration breaks may be too short
Pele, Maradona or Messi at No 1? The 50 greatest players in World Cup history
13:45 , Alan SmithIf Messi continues with how he started this tournament, could this list change?
Pele, Maradona or Messi at No 1? The 50 greatest players in World Cup history
Predicted XIs
13:30 , Alan SmithUSA: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson; Adams, Tillman; Dest, McKennie, Pulisic; Balogun
Australia: Beach; Circati, Souttar, Burgess; Italiano, O'Neill, Okon-Engstler, Bos; Irankunda, Metcalfe; Toure
Standings, fixtures, results
13:20 , Alan SmithHere is the state of play entering day nine of the tournament.
World Cup 2026 fixtures, results and group tables
USA stoke belief in wildest World Cup dreams after dismantling Paraguay in perfect opener
13:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt was a strong start for the USA as well – Lawrence Ostlere was in Los Angeles to watch the co-hosts dismantle Paraguay.
USA stoke belief in wildest World Cup dreams after dismantling Paraguay
Socceroos’ breakthrough has come at the right time for fractious Australia
13:00 , Alan SmithWhen Nestory Irankunda made a beeline for the corner flag after putting Australia in front against Turkey last Saturday, everyone knew who he was paying tribute to. Twenty years on, Australia are still trying to replicate the magic of Tim Cahill guiding them towards the last-16 in Germany.
The sight of Cahill bobbing and weaving around the flag after the Socceroos’ first World Cup goal against Japan in 2006 remains a defining image in their history, so Irankunda thought it right to pay tribute to his “biggest inspiration” after the moment of his nascent career to date.
“I look up to him and I want to be like him one day,” the Watford winger said afterwards, instantly winning the hearts of many casual fans back home. But if they appear overly committed towards nods to the past, this was equally a breakout party for a team that are determined to far exceed low external expectations at World Cup 2026 - and simultaneously become central to a depressingly familiar political discourse.
Why Socceroos’ World Cup breakthrough has come at right time for fractious Australia
Early team news
12:45 , Alan SmithChristian Pulisic was taken off at half-time of USA’s 4-1 win against Paraguay with a knock but is set to be fit, according to Pochettino, despite training on his own this week.
Australia boss Tony Popovic is set to name an unchanged side who beat Turkey in their opener, with Patrick Beach likely to remain in goal after his brilliant performance last time out.
How to watch
12:30 , Alan SmithViewers in the UK can watch the match free-to-air on BBC1 with coverage starting at 7:30pm BST. It can also be live-streamed on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
Is USA v Australia on TV? How to watch World Cup 2026 match
USA vs Australia LIVE
12:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother major day of World Cup action is upon us, with the United States back amongst things after an opening performance to be proud of. It’s Australia in Seattle today for Mauricio Pochettino’s side – both are looking to back up big wins in their first fixtures and book a spot in the knockout rounds.
Kick off is at 8pm BST/12pm Pacific. Let’s get going!
