The United States is back in action Friday afternoon for its second group-stage match of the 2026 World Cup, this time against Australia. Both teams enter the matchup coming off victories in their openers and sitting atop Group D with three points apiece.
Team USA dominated Paraguay in a 4-1 victory to begin its World Cup campaign, highlighted by a two-goal performance from 24-year-old forward Folarin Balogun. The Americans jumped out to an early lead after an unfortunate own goal by Paraguay’s Damián Bobadilla in just the seventh minute.
Balogun scored his first goal in the 31st minute, finishing into the bottom-right corner off an assist from Christian Pulisic. He added his second in first-half stoppage time, this time finding the top-left corner off a pass from Malik Tillman. Paraguay managed to beat USA goalkeeper Matt Freese in the 73rd minute, but Giovanni Reyna added a fourth goal deep into stoppage time off an assist from Alex Freeman to cap an impressive 4-1 victory.
In many ways, Australia was outplayed by Türkiye in its opening match but still managed to score once in each half and secure a clean sheet thanks largely to goalkeeper Patrick Beach’s eight saves. Nestory Irankunda opened the scoring in the 27th minute off an assist from Paul Okon-Engstler, while Connor Metcalfe added a second goal from outside the box in the 75th minute.
With both the USA and Australia earning three points in their opening matches, Friday’s showdown in Seattle carries major implications between the two favorites to win Group D.
USA vs. Australia Current Odds
The United States is listed as the favorite at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook following its strong performance against Paraguay.
- USA: -165
- Australia: +400
- Draw/Tie: +350
USA vs. Australia Predictions
Friday afternoon’s matchup has significant implications atop Group D, so be sure to get in on the action. Check out the Stats Hub at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook for soccer betting insights, trends, trackers, and standings for USA vs. Australia and every other match throughout the 2026 World Cup.
Here’s a pick from the Stats Hub for inspiration:
USA vs. Australia Best Bet: Under 2.5 Goals
Paraguay recorded nine shots against the United States in the opener but managed just one shot on target. Unfortunately for the Americans, that lone attempt found the back of the net.
The flip side is that Team USA generated 16 shots of its own, including six on target and 13 from inside the box. Three of those attempts resulted in goals, while the fourth goal came courtesy of Paraguay’s own goal.
Australia scored twice against Türkiye but generated only nine total shots and four on target. The Socceroos were clinical with their opportunities and also benefited from Patrick Beach’s outstanding performance in goal. It’s worth noting, however, that Türkiye fired 30 total shots, including 14 from inside the box, against Australia.
Given how both teams played in their opening matches, Friday’s contest feels like it could be a lower-scoring affair than many might expect.
- USA vs. Australia Game Prop Pick for June 19: Under 2.5 Goals (-110)
Popular Props for USA vs. Australia
Folarin Balogun’s anytime goalscorer prop is drawing the most action in player prop markets following his two-goal performance against Paraguay:
- Folarin Balogun – Anytime Goalscorer
- Giovanni Reyna – Anytime Goalscorer
- Alessandro Circati – Shots On Target Over 0.5
USA & Australia Group D Winner Odds
The United States remains a sizable favorite to win Group D, but Australia owns the second-shortest odds, making Friday’s match a major opportunity for both teams moving forward:
- USA to win Group D: -195
- Australia to win Group D: +260
USA & Australia World Cup Winner Odds
Although not among the tournament favorites, Team USA enters as a respectable long shot, tied for the ninth-best odds to win the 2026 World Cup. Australia sits a bit further back, tied for the 13th-best odds on the board:
- USA to win the World Cup: +4000
- Australia to win the World Cup: +15000
Is Christian Pulisic Playing Today?
Christian Pulisic was substituted at halftime during the USA’s 4-1 victory over Paraguay after aggravating a pre-existing left calf injury. He was listed as day-to-day and had participated in limited individual work leading up to Friday’s match, but unfortunately for Team USA, “Captain America” will be unavailable against Australia.
Pulisic will likely return for the USA’s next group-stage match against Türkiye on June 25.
USA vs. Australia Match Info
- 📍 Location: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
- 📅 Date: Friday, June 19
- ⏰ Start Time: 3:00 PM ET
- 📺 Where to Watch: FOX, Telemundo, FOX One
- 🏆 Stage: World Cup Group Stage
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Referenced odds are subject to change.
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