A place in the World Cup knockout stage is at stake as co-hosts United States take on Australia this week.
Both nations won their opening fixtures at this summer’s expanded tournament in North America, and in impressive fashion too, potentially setting up a winner-takes-all clash.
USA put the world on notice with a 4-1 win over Paraguay last Saturday as Folarin Balogun made history by becoming the first American to score two goals in a World Cup match since 1930 - when Bert Patenaude did so against the same opposition.
Meanwhile, Australia, surprised many by beating Turkey. Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe were on target in Vancouver but Patrick Beach was unstoppable in goal to keep a clean sheet.
Those results mean if there is a winner from this showdown then qualification for the round of 32 will be confirmed with a game to spare. A point a piece could also be enough to keep the World Cup dream alive.
Date, kick-off time and venue
USA vs Australia is scheduled for a 8pm BST kick-off on Friday, June 19, 2026.
The match will take place at the Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field).
Where to watch USA vs Australia for FREE
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on BBC One with coverage starting at 7.30pm BST.
Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via BBC iPlayer or the BBC website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with BBC iPlayer and the BBC website.
USA vs Australia team news
Christian Pulisic gave USA an injury scare in the 4-1 win over Paraguay. The only negative from an otherwise perfect night was the forward picking up a minor calf issue.
Despite being taken off at half-time, it was as a precaution, and he is expected to be available for selection.
USA squad
Goalkeepers: Chris Brady, Matt Freese, Matt Turner
Defenders: Max Arfsten, Sergino Dest, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, Auston Trusty
Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Weston McKennie, Giovanni Reyna, Cristian Roldan, Malik Tillman
Forwards: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Timothy Weah, Haji Wright, Alejandro Zendejas
Australia manager Tony Popovic - formerly of Crystal Palace - will be tempted to stick with the same team that beat Turkey, but hoping his side do not come under the same amount of pressure.
This would mean keeping faith in Beach instead of recalling the more experienced Mat Ryan in between the posts.
Australia squad
Goalkeepers: Mathew Ryan, Paul Izzo, Patrick Beach
Defenders: Jordan Bos, Aziz Behich, Harry Souttar, Alessandro Circati, Lucas Herrington, Cameron Burgess, Kai Trewin, Milos Degenek, Jason Geria, Jacob Italiano
Midfielders: Jackson Irvine, Aiden O'Neill, Paul Okon Jr, Cameron Devlin
Forwards: Connor Metcalfe, Mathew Leckie, Nishan Velupillay, Cristian Volpato, Nestory Irankunda, Awer Mabil, Ajdin Hrustic, Mohamed Toure, Tete Yengi
USA vs Australia prediction
USA will be riding a wave of momentum following their 4-1 win in the opening group game. However, having to wait six days for the next game may prove a gift or a curse.
Australia, by beating Turkey, have already exceeded pre-tournament expectations, so can go into this game under far less pressure as they’ll back themselves against Paraguay regardless.
It’s a difficult one to call, but we think home advantage will get USA over the line in a game that will be tight until the closing stages.
USA to win, 3-1.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Since losing the first-ever meeting between the two nations in June 1992, USA are now unbeaten in three against Australia, winning the last two - including the most recent clash in October 2025.
USA wins: 2
Australia wins: 1
Draws: 1
USA vs Australia match odds
USA to win: 8/15
Australia to win: 7/2
Draw: 13/5
Odds via UK betting sites (subject to change).
