USA vs Australia: World Cup 2026 prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds | OneFootball

Winners will qualify for round of 32 with a game to spare and take control of Group D

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.

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

Christian Pulisic is fit for USA

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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.

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

Haji Wright scored twice as USA beat Australia in a friendly last October

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USA vs Australia match odds

USA to win: 8/15

Australia to win: 7/2

Draw: 13/5

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