History is made for NYCFC players in USMNT-Australia World Cup matchup | OneFootball

On Friday afternoon, New York City FC had two starters in the 2026 World Cup group-stage meeting between the United States men's national team and the Australia national football team. Matt Freese started in goal again for the Stars and Stripes, while Aiden O'Neill started for the Socceroos. Both players started in their first matches as well. However, this time, history was made.

This was the first time two teammates of a Major League Soccer team started and played against one another in a World Cup match. In addition, former Pigeon Joe Scally and academy player Gio Reyna also came on as substitutes. And in the end, the USMNT came out on top, beating Australia 2-0. As such, Freese has bragging rights over his NYCFC teammates.

It was a battle of NYCFC players at the World Cup

The US saw goals from Own Goal and Alex Freeman, playing patiently to find the back of the net. Australia, despite allowing the two goals, did well to limit them and their chances. As they did against Türkiye, O'Neill and his teammates were compact. The difference is that the hosts broke them down.

Speaking of O'Neill, he had a decent match, but was not as strong as in his previous game. His presence remained vital to the Socceroos. And, his team was stronger as the match went on, and even had more of the ball. This allowed the midfielder to do what he does for the Pigeons all the time.

At the same time, Freese has a solid match. In fact, after not making a save against Paraguay, for the only shot on target in that fixture led to the goal, the NYCFC goalkeeper made a save within the first minute. He did not face too many shots, though, for the Stars and Stripes had the majority of possession in the first half.

And this has been repeated often, but Freese has had the strongest backline from the US in front of him over the last two games. So, when Australia became more threatening as the second half progressed, the defensive work from the backline and other players was critical in protecting the goal.

As a whole, Freese has two saves. He came off his line and even out of his box a few times, and those choices were made correctly. Again, he did not have too much to do, but he played well.

Meanwhile, as mentioned, Scally came on as a substitute. Hence, the former NYCFC Homegrown player made his World Cup debut. The pride of Lake Grove, New York, had a good stint. Reyna only played for a few minutes after his incredible goal in the first game.

The win was exactly what the USMNT needed. Knowing they will enter the Round of 32 before the final match of the group stage can relieve some pressure on the team. Australia, on the other hand, has some work to do.

In other words, it will be another week before NYCFC knows whether any of their players are coming home.