USMNT vs. Australia Top Storylines, Odds, Live Stream for World Cup 2026

The United States men's national team returns to the field on Friday afternoon in Seattle.

The Americans are riding a wave of momentum after their 4-1 thumping of Paraguay that opened up Group B play a week ago.

Mauricio Pochettino's side has an opportunity to clinch a spot in the knockout round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a win over Australia.

Australia won't back down from the challenge. After all, the Socceroos authored one of the surprises of Matchday 1 with a win over Turkiye.

USMNT vs. Australia Info

Date: Friday, June 19

Start Time: 3 p.m. ET

TV: Fox

Live Stream: Fox One or FoxSports.com

Odds (via FanDuel Sportsbook): United States (-170; bet $170 to win $100); Australia (+410; bet $100 to win $410); Draw (+340)

The USMNT should come into Lumen Field with a ton of confidence after it stunned in its World Cup opener.

However, there is one reason for concern about Friday's clash with Australia. Christian Pulisic is dealing with a calf issue. He's been training on the side all week.

Pulisic's skill set will be particularly important against Australia because the Socceroos are expected to sit deep and defend.

The Americans need their best on-ball attackers on the field to break down the small openings in the Australian defense.

If Pulisic can't go, Tim Weah or Brenden Aaronson should start in his place.

Weah is one of the more technically gifted players in the USMNT squad. He can beat plenty of defenders in 1v1 battles and isn't afraid to shoot from distance.

Aaronson is a bulldog that will do the dirty work in the final third. He has the potential to draw plenty of fouls, which could lead to some set-piece opportunities.

Folarin Balogun may not have as many clear-cut chances on net as he did against Paraguay, but his sharpness can still be an asset.

Friday's game feels like one in which the Americans might have to convert on one of the few chances they get. Balogun is in incredible form at the moment. He's capable of finishing the one chance that comes about.

Defensively, the Americans have to be wary of Australia's threat on the counter.

Nestory Irankunda made a name for himself against Turkiye with a great goal on the counter. The speedy Watford forward will once again be tasked with making runs on the counter to create chances.

Australia isn't expected to have much of the ball in possession, so Irankunda and Mohamed Toure will be counted on to create off the counter.

The Americans are still expected to win Friday's match on home soil. If they do, they will advance to the knockout phase with one group-stage game remaining.

Australia is in the same boat, but it might have more wiggle room if it loses because it faces Paraguay on Matchday 3. The USMNT has the tougher Matchday 3 contest against Turkiye.