United States win to reach FIFA World Cup knockout stage after Australia own goal and VAR reprieve

Saturday, 20 June 2026

The United States advanced to the knockout round at the World Cup despite the absence of injured forward Christian Pulisic, beating Australia 2-0 in Seattle on Saturday (NZ time).

A deep US squad earned a knockout berth after only two matches for the first time. The last time the Americans served as World Cup hosts in 1994, they advanced by being one of the best third-place teams. They then lost to eventual champion Brazils in their next match, which was in the round of 16.

Pulisic, who plays for AC Milan and has 33 goals in 87 international appearances, missed the match because of a calf injury.

“CP is a fantastic player — the quality and the leadership that he gives us,” said Folarin Balogun, who scored two goals in the 4-1 victory over Paraguay last week. “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.”

Alex Freeman, the youngest player on the team at 21 and son of Super Bowl champion Antonio Freeman, gave the Americans a 2-0 lead in the 43rd minute off a set piece. Freeman headed in a deflected shot by Sergiño Dest for his first career World Cup goal. The goal was confirmed after a video review.

The US took a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute after a run down the left sideline by Balogun.

He directed a pass towards striker Ricardo Pepi, who started in place of Pulisic. The ball never reached Pepi, deflecting off Australia defender Cameron Burgess and into the Socceroos’ net for an own-goal.

“I want to be dangerous, I want to create opportunities,” Balogun said. “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.”

For full World Cup coverage, go to our World Cup section.

HOW THE MATCH UNFOLDED