SEATTLE — Two matches, two wins, six points — and a strong Texas accent on the pitch. The U.S. Men’s National Team is through to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 2-0 defeat of Australia at Lumen Field on Friday, June 19.
The Americans struck early when Australia defender Cameron Burgess turned a Folarin Balogun cross into his own net in the 11th minute, with FC Dallas product Ricardo Pepi pressuring in the box. Alex Freeman made it 2-0 in the 43rd minute with a header off a rebounded Sergiño Dest shot — the first World Cup goal by a USMNT defender since John Brooks in 2014.
The USMNT dominated the first half, holding 70 percent possession and completing 259 accurate passes to Australia’s 78. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino deployed the lineup of Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, A. Robinson; Adams, Tillman, McKennie; Dest; Pepi, Balogun, with captain Christian Pulisic unavailable due to a calf injury.
The Americans opened the tournament with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles.
Four from the FC Dallas pipeline
Little Elm’s Weston McKennie (No. 8, Juventus) started in midfield and played through the 96th minute. Pepi (No. 9) earned his first World Cup start before being substituted in the 74th minute. Chris Richards (No. 3) and Alex Zendejas (No. 26, El Paso) complete the quartet of FC Dallas products on the 26-man roster.