2026 FIFA World Cup: USA beats Australia, reaches Round of 32 without Pulisic; Pochettino says ‘If we want to win…’ | Today’s news
The United States proved they can succeed without Christian Pulisic as they beat Australia 2-0 on Friday to book their place in the round of 32 at the World Cup. However, head coach Mauricio Pochettino said he hopes his star player will be fit to return for the team’s next game.
Pulisic was unavailable for the Group D match in Seattle after suffering a calf injury in the Americans’ opening win over Paraguay, leaving the co-hosts without their key attacking threat.
Despite his absence, the USA put on a strong performance. They took the lead in the 11th minute when Australia’s Cameron Burgess scored an own goal. Alex Freeman then doubled the advantage just before half-time, heading home after a VAR review overturned the initial offside.
“It’s always difficult because we want to have all the players,” Pochettino said. “Christian is an important player for us, but… it was not possible to play for him today. We hope that he will be available for the next game.”
The USA moved to six points and secured their place in the knockout rounds with one group stage match to play.
Pochettino said Pulisic remained central to his plans but added that any successful World Cup run would require contributions from the entire squad.
“If we want to win the competition, we need the whole team,” he said. “All players must be important.
“Obviously, Christian is one of the best players in the world. I hope he recovers as soon as possible and enjoys being on the pitch and helping the team.”
Weston McKennie praised the depth of the U.S. squad and said Friday’s performance demonstrated the team’s ability to adapt and perform in any situation.
“We can play a physical game because we’ve got guys on the pitch who are ready to go and we’ve got quality guys who can play possession-based football,” he said.
The Americans will conclude their campaign in Group D against Turkey on Thursday at Los Angeles Stadium.
If Turkey either draws or loses against Paraguay later Friday, the United States will clinch first place in Group D. The Americans will face Turkey in the final group stage game on Thursday.
Although Christian Pulisic was seen training with the squad on Wednesday, head coach Mauricio Pochettino said after the Australia match that it was “impossible” for him to play on Friday. Earlier in the week, Pochettino hinted that Pulisic was likely to be available against Turkey if he misses the Australia match, but after the game he only expressed hope that the star forward could “help the team as soon as possible”.
Meanwhile, Folarin Balogun continued his impressive form at the World Cup. After scoring twice against Paraguay in the opening game, he played a key role again on Friday, helping to set up an own goal. This made the United States the first team in World Cup history to benefit from back-to-back own goals.
