USMNT Clinches Group D After 2-0 Win Over Australia

Sport

By lines

June 19, 2026

The USMNT clinched Group D at the 2026 World Cup on Friday. The United States beat Australia 2-0 in Seattle. Paraguay then sealed top spot for the United States.

Why Paraguay’s Win Locked Up First Place for the United States

The United States struck first through an own goal in the 11th minute. Australian defender Cameron Burgess turned in a Folarin Balogun cross. Alex Freeman headed home a second goal before halftime. VAR overturned an offside call against Alex Freeman after review. The two goals settled the contest before the hour mark.

The win gave the United States two wins from two Group D matches. The United States collected six points from a possible six. Paraguay then beat Turkiye 1-0 to confirm the United States as group winner. Reports list this as the third United States group title at a World Cup. The previous group wins came in earlier tournament editions.

Paraguay won despite playing over an hour with 10 men. Referees sent off Miguel Almiron for covering his mouth in a confrontation. Miguel Almiron became the first player ejected at the 2026 World Cup. Matias Galarza scored Paraguay’s winner inside the opening minutes. Turkiye dominated possession but failed to find an equalizer against 10 men.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino rotated his lineup against Australia and kept control. Ricardo Pepi started in place of the injured Christian Pulisic up front. The United States limited Australia to few clear chances across 90 minutes. Pochettino has now guided the United States to two wins from two. The clean sheet marked a second straight defensive shutout for the United States.

Group D first place shapes the United States path through the Round of 32. Winning the group typically pairs the United States with a runner-up next. Christian Pulisic missed the Australia match with a calf injury. Pochettino confirmed Christian Pulisic sat out as a precaution. The United States now controls a friendlier route on its side of the bracket.

Brazil also advanced on Friday with a win over Haiti. Matheus Cunha scored twice as Brazil rediscovered its attacking rhythm. Brazil and the United States both reached the knockout rounds on Day 9. The 2026 World Cup group stage began on June 11. Host nation the United States has now won both Seattle group matches.

The United States now waits to learn its Round of 32 opponent. Pochettino will manage Christian Pulisic’s calf before the knockout match. The 2026 World Cup knockout rounds start once the group stage closes. A rested Christian Pulisic would boost the United States attack for the last 32.