USA host Australia in the second round of games in World Cup Group D 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, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side will be without talisman Christian Pulisic due to injury. The winger picked up a calf injury during the 4-1 win, and has been unable to recover in time.
“I hope as soon as possible he can be ready to be selected again and to be part of the team,” said Pochettino, who confirmed Pulisic trained this morning. “Now, we need to be focused on our team and the players that are going to play.”
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
Read MoreWhy Socceroos’ World Cup breakthrough has come at the right time for fractious Australia
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
- World Cup co-hosts USA double lead over Australia after tight VAR call | Live on BBC One and FOX One
- 45' GOAL! Alex Freeman played onside as defender heads in second on line [USA 2-0 AUS]
- 11' OWN GOAL! Folarin Balogun's run forces Cameron Burgess to boot into own net [USA 1-0 AUS]
- TEAM NEWS: Pulisic ruled out for USA; Australia bench both scorers from 2-0 win v Turkey
- A win for either side would all but seal a place in the last 32
HALF-TIME! USA 2-0 Australia
20:55 , Will CastleComplete and utter dominance from the US, who are in control at the break!
USA 2-0 Australia
20:53 , Will Castle45+7 mins: One last opening at goal for the US before half-time as Dest fires from the edge of the box, but his effort isn’t far enough in the corner.
USA 2-0 Australia
20:52 , Will Castle45+5 mins: Australia, to their credit, are pressing the US right until the final whistle of this first half when the hosts are passing around the back.
It’s down the other end that they’re having real trouble.
USA 2-0 Australia
20:48 , Will Castle45+1 mins: Seven minutes added on, and Australia will be desperate for that to pass quickly. They need half-time.
GOAL GIVEN! USA 2-0 Australia (Freeman, 45')
20:46 , Will CastleLUMEN FIELD ERUPTS!
Alex Freeman is ONSIDE and the goal stands!
Australia have a huge mountain to climb.
NO GOAL! USA 1-0 Australia
20:45 , Will Castle44 mins: The US have the ball in the net after Freeman heads home from Dest’s deflected strike - but the flag goes up!
It is tight... and it’s getting checked by VAR.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:44 , Will Castle43 mins: These are nervy moments for Australia late in the half - the US are driving at yellow shirts and have a free-kick on the right...
USA 1-0 Australia
20:43 , Will Castle41 mins: It was Freeman and Okon-Engstler who collided but both men are back on their feet and good to continue, thankfully. Applause rings around Lumen Field.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:40 , Will Castle39 mins: Nasty clash of heads sees a USA and Australia player left on the deck. Not entirely sure who as the broadcast quickly cut to a live angle.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:37 , Will Castle36 mins: Balogun is feeling himself out there. He does really well to get a hold of the ball in the box which came at him knee high, before pulling out back-to-back roulettes. He trips over the second one, but who cares. Great to watch.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:34 , Will Castle32 mins: Circati becomes the second Australian to go into the book as he rakes his studs down Balogun’s calf.
The free-kick comes to nothing.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:32 , Will Castle31 mins: Another threatening moment from a USA corner as it’s whipped dangerously close to Richards’ head.
Freeman then shows off his work rate to win a throw on the other side.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:30 , Will Castle27 mins: And we’re off again.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:26 , Will Castle24 mins: Another nervy moment for the US comes from a corner as a header loops back into a dangerous area, but an American body is able to knock it behind.
The second corner results in a foul before the ball even reaches the box.
Hydration break time. It’s met with boos from the crowd. I thought Americans were used to four quarters?
USA 1-0 Australia
20:24 , Will Castle23 mins: Better from Australia. They relieve a bit of pressure for the first time in a while and move it down the right, before Leckie whips in a superb low cross aiming for a yellow shirt.
Freeman does brilliantly to get a cross and knock it for a corner.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:23 , Will Castle21 mins: Australia are really rocking at the back. They lose it twice in quick succession to give the US opportunities, the latter falling to man of the moment Balogun whose effort on the spin is blocked.
They need to get out.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:22 , Will Castle18 mins: First booking of the match goes to Australia’s Bos, but Tillman can’t do much from the free-kick as it flies behind the pack of players.
McKennie’s acrobatic improvised effort flies well over.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:18 , Will Castle15 mins: CHANCE! It should be 2-0!
The corner is whipped deliciously onto the free head of McKennie, who looks certain to score but his effort whacks the chest of an Australia man just in front of him.
A fortuitous block, no doubt about that, but the Socceroos won’t care. A second for USA now and Australia could be at risk of this game going well out of their reach, and fast.
USA 1-0 Australia
20:15 , Will Castle13 mins: It’s nearly an instant response from Australia as a bending effort flies just wide of the post, but the US are back up the other end and have a corner...
GOAL! USA 1-0 Australia (Burgess OG, 11')
20:12 , Will CastleCAMERON BURGESS BOOTS INTO HIS OWN NET, AND THE US HAVE THE LEAVE!
Folarin Balogun, the star of the opener, is clearly full of belief in himself as he drives past his man and into the box, before cutting it back into a nightmare position for the back-tracking Australian defender.
There’s a white shirt to tap home but Burgess does the work for him, blasting high into the roof of the Australia net.
A horrible moment for the Swansea centre-back, but the US World Cup train keeps on rolling!
USA 0-0 Australia
20:10 , Will Castle9 mins: Now it’s more US pressure!
McKennie is at the heart of things again as Dest is fed into the box, who tries to bend one aiming for the far side-netting but a yellow body gets in the way.
USA 0-0 Australia
20:09 , Will Castle7 mins: Real competitive edge to this game early on. Australia’s high press sees Freese play a loose pass out wide which is picked up by a yellow shirt, but the US regroup and recover.
USA 0-0 Australia
20:07 , Will Castle5 mins: First glimpse of a chance for the US as McKennie makes a lovely run onto the right wing before whipping in a delivery aiming for the charging Pepi.
He doesn’t get much behind the header as it drops in the box, but the referee blows for a foul against Balogun for a pull on the shirt.
USA 0-0 Australia
20:06 , Will Castle4 mins: The USA have got a grip on possession after perhaps a shaky first few seconds.
Australia have every player behind the ball already.
USA 0-0 Australia
20:03 , Will Castle1 min: As the Americans send their Iceland-style clap reverberating around Lumen Field, it’s Australia who get the first shot on goal inside a minute.
Norwich City striker Toure drives low towards the near post but it’s comfortable for Freese.
KICK-OFF! USA 0-0 Australia
20:01 , Will CastleThe World Cup countdown reaches its climax... and WE ARE UNDERWAY!
U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!
19:57 , Will CastleHand to the chest, we get a deafening American rendition of Star-Spangled Banner as four big military helicopters fly overhead. They know how to set the tone, don’t they.
Here come the teams
19:53 , Will CastleThe flags are laid out and here come the US and Australia players for the World Cup soccer derby!
It is quite the walk from the corner... but to the centre-circle they go (via the technical area) for the national anthems.
Closing in on kick-off
19:50 , Will CastleWe are just 10 minutes away from kick-off in Seattle!
A win tonight seals either the United States or Australia a spot in the World Cup knockouts.
The U-S-A! U-S-A! chants are already out in full force. Soccer fever has well and truly taken over - how the Americans would love to ensure their journey goes beyond the group tonight!
Gary Lineker to make shock appearance on ITV as pundit for World Cup game
19:45 , Will CastleBBC’s coverage for tonight’s game has kicked off, but the broadcaster won’t be best pleased with the news that broke this afternoon.
As first revealed by The Independent, Gary Lineker will make a shock appearance for ITV as part of their 2026 World Cup coverage on Saturday.
It’s understood the former Match Of The Day host will be an ITV pundit for the Group E clash between Germany and Ivory Coast. Coverage of the game will start at 8pm BST with kick-off in Toronto an hour later.
Gary Lineker to appear on ITV World Cup coverage
Australia's goalkeeper Patrick Beach bidding to keep out USA
19:40 , Jamie BraidwoodAustralia’s opening World Cup win over Turkey saw the birth of a new star for the Socceroos in Patrick Beach, the goalkeeper.
The Melbourne City stopper made a string of saves to help keep Turkey out, despite Australia having just 30 per cent of the possession.
“Seeing the whole crowd jump up in yellow and green, everyone just went crazy,” Beach said afterwards. “I went crazy with the crowd behind, so it was an unbelievable moment, and something that we’ll remember for sure.”
19:34 , Will Castle 
Can USA continue early World Cup excitement?
19:29 , Will CastleU-S-A, U-S-A! The hosts are off to flyer and after a stellar opening performance against Paraguay, soccer fever is taking over.
Folarin Balogun, a man whose American citizenship came by fluke, was at the heart of an outright domination of the South American side, his brace making up half of the US’ tally in a 4-1 win.
Whether they can keep up this intensity against tougher opposition is yet to be seen - but after one very impressive game, non-football-watching Americans will actually be convincing themselves that the US can win the World Cup.
Fulham's interest in USA striker warranted
19:25 , Will CastleFulham have been heavily linked with a move for one of the United States’ forward starters tonight: Ricardo Pepi.
The PSV striker was on the verge of a move to the Cottagers in January before it fell through, but interest remains there from the London club.
Former Liverpool and Chelsea man Bolo Zenden, who broke out at PSV, can’t blame Fulham for being keen.
“I think Ricardo Pepi is a great striker,” he told Boyle Sports. “He's been unlucky, where he was back fit and scoring goals, and then even while scoring a goal, he fell on his arm and broke his arm. It's crazy, but he's back now and he's scoring again.
“He's definitely a player that can do well for the US in the summer. There will be some expectations on him as well. But he has, the way we say it, he has a nose for the goal.
“He's always in the right position, scoring quite easy, and a good header in there. It's an interesting player. I know why Fulham, I understand why Fulham wants to sign him.”
Nestory Irankunda: Who is Australia's breakout World Cup star?
19:20 , Jamie BraidwoodBorn in a refugee camp in a Tanzania, Nestory Irankunda has taken an unlikely journey to starring for Australia at the World Cup. He moved to Australia as a child but caught the eye of the football world when he moved to Bayern Munich from Adelaide United.
After leaving the German giants due to a lack of game-time, he ended up at Watford in the Championship. After scoring on his World Cup debut against Turkey, he emulated his idol Tim Cahill by boxing the corner flag.
Who could be knockouts-bound?
19:14 , Will CastleAfter Mexico did the business last night (or this morning, depending on where you’re reading from), the United States could become the second host nation to book their place in the World Cup knockouts before anyone else with a win tonight.
The US will be full of confidence after their opening romp over Paraguay, but Australia have already shone as the underdogs... and the stakes are the same for the Socceroos. Could an upset be in the making in Seattle?
Meet Folarin Balogun, the accidental American leading USA’s World Cup charge
19:08 , Lawrence OstlereBalogun was born in New York when his parents were on holiday from London but the USA embracing the striker as its new star is a delicious irony to Donald Trump’s stance on immigration
Folarin Balogun is the American American leading USA’s World Cup charge
Soccer fever hits Seattle
19:06 , Will Castle
USA v Australia team news: No Pulisic, Socceroos bench both scorers!
18:49 , Jamie BraidwoodThe enforced absence of Christian Pulisic means Mauricio Pochettino makes just one change from the opening 4-1 win over Paraguay, with Ricardo Pepi starting on the left wing.
Australia make two changes, removing both of their scorers from the 2-0 win over Turkey! Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe are replaced by Nishan Velupillay and Mathew Leckie. That’s a bold choice.
USA XI: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson; Adams, Tillman; Dest, McKennie, Pepi; Balogun.
Australia XI: Beach; Italiano, Circati, Souttar, Burgess, Bos; O’Neill, Okon-Engstler, Leckie, Toure; Velupillay.
Mauricio Pochettino confirms Christian Pulisic's absence vs Australia
18:41 , Jamie BraidwoodMauricio Pochettino confirmed that Pulisic is unavailable during an interview with Fox Sports, but sounded optimistic that he’ll be back soon...
“The evolution is [going] really well. Today he was training in the morning in the camp and I’ve seen the feelings are good.
“I hope as soon as possible he can be ready to be selected again and to be part of the team. Now, we need to be focused on our team and the players that are going to play.
“We have ahead a very important game and Australia is going to be really tough. [But] a little bit sad because he wanted to stay, he wanted to participate today.”
Christian Pulisic ruled out of USA v Australia
18:33 , Jamie BraidwoodChristian Pulisic is out of the USA’s World Cup clash with Australia due to the calf injury picked up during the win against Paraguay.
That’s a huge blow for the co-hosts, given how well Pulisic played in their opening 4-1 win. Ricardo Pepi starts in his place.
Full team news to come
World Cup 2026 power rankings: England, Argentina and France make statements after round one
18:28 , Will CastleEvery team has now played their opening match of the 2026 World Cup - how do they rank?
World Cup 2026 power rankings: England and France make statements after round one
USA call for noise ahead of facing Australia in Seattle
18:14 , Jamie Braidwood"I fully expect this crowd to be extremely loud. And, they’re going to energise our group," said USA midfielder Cristian Roldan, having played for the Seattle Sounders since 2015.
"This is one of the loudest stadiums in the world when you think about Seahawks games or Sounders games.
Just seeing the Belgium game against Egypt and how the atmosphere was there, I fully expect the city of Seattle to come out and show out, and I think the guys are going to feel that type of energy."
Socceroos’ breakthrough has come at the right time for fractious Australia
18:00 , 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
Australia boss insists improvement needed against USA
17:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt was an excellent execution of the plan from Australia against Turkey, but manager Tony Popovic has warned his side that they will have to be better today.
"We know it will be a different type of challenge," he said. "Playing the host nation here as well is a wonderful challenge, but also a wonderful opportunity for us.
"We know that we will need to be better than we were against Turkey to get the result we want. We want to earn our respect. We know that by our performances we can put Australian football on the world map and that's what we aim to do."
The bold selection gamble that paid off for Australia in shock World Cup win over Turkey
17:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleAustralia’s selection will be interesting today. Patrick Beach was a surprise starter in goal against Turkey, but looks set to keep his place after making a number of fine saves to help the Socceroos to victory.
The bold selection call that paid off for Australia in strong start to World Cup
‘We need to play on the edge:’ Pochettino sounds warning as USMNT prepares for fiery Australia showdown
17:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleMauricio Pochettino has issued a strong word of warning to his side ahead of a key clash for the USMNT.
Seattle set to explode as USMNT faces Australia in World Cup showdown
Who will win the 2026 World Cup? Vote in our poll
17:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe weak link theory that will decide who wins the World Cup
17:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleA World Cup, naturally, brings a focus on the sport’s starts – but it could be the 11th name on each teamsheet that is crucial to determining which nation wins it. Richard Jolly on the weak link theory that may be decisive:
The weak link theory that will decide who wins the World Cup
World Cup third-place rankings explained: Is one win enough to qualify?
16:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt may be that these two have already done enough to progress – Jamie Braidwood explains the permutations that may mean one win is sufficient to reach the round of 32.
World Cup third-place rankings explained: Is one win enough to qualify?
Strong start for co-hosts
16:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleAside from a nasty injury in the Canada game last night, it’s been an excellent start for the three nations co-hosting this World Cup. Mexico booked their spot in the knockout rounds with a strong win against South Korea yesterday while Canada are close to joining them after a 6-0 thrashing of Qatar. Can the USA extend the trio’s unbeaten run to six games?
Mexico become first country in World Cup knockout rounds with win over South Korea
Group D fixtures
16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle13 June: USA 4-1 Paraguay – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
14 June: Australia 2-0 Turkey – BC Place, Vancouver
19 June: USA vs Australia – Lumen Field, Seattle
20 June: Turkey vs Paraguay – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
26 June: Turkey vs USA – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
26 June: Paraguay vs Australia – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
Today's venue
16:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe US may be hoping to foster some of the winning spirit that the usual occupiers of today’s venue managed on their way to the Lombardi Trophy last season. The Seattle Seahawks are the reigning kings of the NFL and their Lumen Field is a facility befitting that status, sitting between the docks and downtown in the city.
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!
