USMNT breaks 96-year drought with World Cup win over Australia
· Yahoo Sports
Party like it’s 1930, as the USMNT has advanced to the knockout round at the 2026 World Cup.
The men’s national team defeated Australia 2-0 on Friday, punching their ticket to the knockout round for the second straight tournament. In doing so, the Americans won their second straight World Cup game for the first time in 96 years, since they were victorious in the first two games in the program’s history.
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It was another convincing win for the USMNT, which has outscored its opponents 6-1 through its first two matches. The Americans defeated Paraguay 4-1 in its World Cup opener last week.
“It was a fantastic game again,” said USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino to FOX Sports’ Jenny Taft after the contest.
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Alex Freeman #16 of the United States celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Australia at Seattle Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)The USA was playing without one of its key players against Australia, as attacking midfielder Christian Pulisic was out with a left calf injury. However, he is expected to return in the Americans’ final match of the group stage, against Türkiye on Thursday at 10 p.m.
“If we want to win the competition, we need the whole team,” added Pochettino, whose name was chanted by American fans in the moments following the big win.
Following its victory over the Australians, the USMNT has a stranglehold on Group D, leading the way with six points. The only way the USA can relinquish the top spot is with a Türkiye win over Paraguay later on Friday night and a Türkiye win over the Americans next week. The USA (+145) is currently a slight favorite to defeat the Turks (+155) and move into the knockout stage unbeaten.
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