How USA proved its depth without Pulisic against Australia | OneFootball

The United States secured passage to the World Cup knockout rounds with a 2-0 victory over Australia, doing so without Christian Pulisic, their most influential attacking player. The AC Milan star was held out due to a calf injury that had limited him throughout the week, forcing Mauricio Pochettino to reconfigure his attack.

The Americans took the lead through a Cameron Burgess own goal after 11 minutes, and Alex Freeman added a second just before halftime. Australia pushed for goals in the second half, but the United States' defense held firm despite some scrambles in the penalty area.

Tactical adjustments without the focal point

Pochettino started striker Ricardo Pepi in Pulisic's absence, a selection that surprised, given his preference for Folarin Balogun as the lone center forward. This adjustment created a different attacking profile — where Pulisic typically operates between lines and creates from wide positions, Pepi provided more traditional center-forward play alongside Balogun.

Folarin Balogun heads the ball during a corner against Australia (Celso Oliveira / Pitchside US)

The dual-striker system forced Australia to defend more centrally, opening space for fullbacks Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson to advance. Freeman's goal came from a deflected Dest shot, illustrating how the team found alternative creative sources without their primary playmaker.

Pochettino made defensive-minded substitutions late, bringing on Joe Scally and Auston Trusty for Robinson and Dest. These changes reflected game management rather than desperation — protecting a lead through structural solidity rather than individual brilliance.

Depth as a competitive advantage

Pulisic has scored 33 goals in 87 international appearances and typically serves as the centerpiece of the American attack. His absence could have destabilized a team that often relies on his ability to create in transition and unlock compact defenses.

Instead, the performance demonstrated organizational maturity. The U.S. controlled the match and secured another commanding victory following their 4-1 opening win over Paraguay. Players like Freeman, who scored his first World Cup goal, and Pepi, who filled an unfamiliar role, executed their responsibilities within the system.

Pochettino noted post-match that "the players were amazing," adding that while Pulisic is exceptional, "if you want to win, all the players need to be great". This philosophy reflects a shift from dependency on individual quality to collective execution.

Implications for knockout stage preparation

With six points and a plus-five goal difference, the USMNT has essentially secured first place in Group D. This cushion allows Pochettino to manage Pulisic's recovery carefully for the knockout rounds while continuing to test squad depth.

The ability to maintain tactical coherence without their best player suggests the U.S. possesses the structural foundation necessary to advance deeper in the tournament. While Pulisic's return will enhance their attacking options, the team has proven it can execute Pochettino's system through collective understanding rather than individual dependency.

For a program that has historically struggled with consistency at major tournaments, this systematic approach represents evolution. The 2026 World Cup demands not just talent but adaptability — and the U.S. has demonstrated both in securing knockout qualification on home soil.