Balogun Inspires USA as Freeman Sends Co-Hosts into Knockouts

The United States defeated Australia 2–0 at Seattle Stadium to become the second team through to the World Cup round of 32. Cameron Burgess turned Folarin Balogun's low cut-back into his own net in the 11th minute, and Alex Freeman nodded in from Sergiño Dest's deflected shot in the 43rd minute after VAR overturned an offside call against the defender.

Mauricio Pochettino's side played without Christian Pulisic because of a calf injury but kept a clean sheet for the first time in ten matches. Balogun was named Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match as the co-hosts finished with 62% possession, ten shots and two on target in front of 66,925 fans.

The USA lead Group D on six points with a +5 goal difference. Australia remain on three points after their opening win over Türkiye and face Paraguay in Santa Clara on 25 June, while the USMNT close the group against Türkiye in Los Angeles on the same evening.