USA starting lineup vs. Australia: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D match | OneFootball

By Jonathan Sigal

The United States' starting lineup is set for Friday's massive 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D clash against Australia in Seattle (3 pm ET | FOX, TUDN, Peacock).

The USMNT could clinch first place in Group D with a win and a Türkiye loss/draw vs. Paraguay later Friday evening.

United States

3-5-2 formation (left to right)

Christian Pulisic (calf injury) is not in the matchday squad after being subbed out at halftime of the USMNT's dominant  4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles last week.

The star forward is replaced by FC Dallas product Ricardo Pepi, marking the only change in head coach Mauricio Pochettino's lineup – and introducing a potential formation update.

New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese and Charlotte FC center back Tim Ream again start for the tournament co-hosts.

Freese and Ream are two of eight MLS players on the USMNT roster, which features another 13 players with MLS roots.

Australia

5-4-1 formation (left to right)

New York City FC midfielder Aiden O'Neill remains in the starting lineup after helping Australia stun Türkiye with a 2-0 victory to open Group D play.

O'Neill is one of three MLS players on the Socceroos' roster; NYCFC midfielder Kai Trewin and Colorado Rapids defender Lucas Herrington are available off the bench.

Australia's two goalscorers from last week – Connor Metcalfe and Nestory Irankunda – are among the substitutes.

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