This is a preview, yes, but let me breathe and review for a second. Four goals? In a World Cup game? From the USMNT? WE DREAMED OF THIS, FOLKS! FOR GENERATIONS! Teenage Kyle is crying right now (adult Kyle might have shed a tear or two as well, but I’ll never tell). The Stars and Stripes took care of Paraguay with a dominant 4-1 scoreline in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup, putting themselves on top of Group D and in good position to advance to the knockouts, and they did it in style.
We’ll dive in deeper in a bit, but in short? It was glorious.
The remaining Group Stage matches will be anything but a cakewalk for the Red, White, and Blue, and after their impressive 2-0 win over Türkiye in their opening match, Friday’s opponents from the Land Down Under seem primed for a magical cup run of their own. Momentum meets momentum in Seattle tomorrow, as the USA takes on Australia in what could be the match that decides the Group D winners.
History
These two nations have less history than we saw between the US and Paraguay, and this is by far the most high-profile match between them in their histories. In four prior meetings (all friendlies), the Americans have won two, lost one, and drawn one. Their most recent meeting was last October in Colorado, where Cristian Roldan assisted both goals in a Haji Wright brace, giving the USMNT a 2-1 win. Beyond that, there’s not a ton of relevant data to cover here — sorry, I did my best. Check out US Soccer’s quick hits for more info if you’re craving a little more.
USMNT
Mauricio Pochettino’s squad looked a little different than I had hoped it would look, but I won’t complain about the results. Sergiño Dest has been released from his defending duties (which he only sometimes did anyway), and Alex Freeman has ascended to starter territory. Everything else was to be expected, though a more recessed starting position for Malik Tillman showcased the midfielder’s ability to carry the ball and turn from creative force to connecting glue when needed.
Before I eat a slice of humble pie, let’s hit on some of the most impressive performances. I’ve heard some people compare Christian Pulisic’s performance to the beloved Ronaldinho, and while I’m not sure he’s truly on Gaúcho’s level, he was certainly operating at a creative level that he’s rarely hit in a US jersey. In many ways, it felt like he was playing more freely than ever, almost as though the pressure to score that he used to feel had been lifted by his teammates, who stepped up big time to allow him to simply follow the flow of his game. Folarin Balogun finally cemented himself as the missing piece up top that this generation of players has been looking for, and with talented options on the bench, the attacking possibilities are exciting.
Now, I won’t eat my words; that would be the easy way out. I stand by what I said about Gio Reyna not necessarily deserving a spot on this squad. At the same time, though, I’ll throw my hands up and give him props for his cameo off the bench. The skill and confidence required to even take the shot he did for the fourth goal are admirable, and I was jumping up and down when it went in.
Overall, it couldn’t really have been a better start for the US. Sure, they conceded, but they responded with another goal. I can’t remember the last time I saw the US get scored on and I didn’t immediately have a crippling fear that we’d let the lead slip. Something’s different this time. Stay tuned.
Australia
The Socceroos, mate! Every four years, the world is surprised by these guys, and honestly? I’m tired of it. They’re simply a good team. Just because many of their players don’t play in Europe, we tend to assume they don’t stand a chance, but time and time again, they’ve proved that “traditional wisdom” wrong. This year appears to be no exception to that rule after their opening win over a talented Türkiye side.
They’ve qualified for each of the last six World Cups, and though they haven’t progressed further than the Round of 16, they’ve picked up some famous results and scored some absolutely breathtaking goals (hello, Tim Cahill). Now, with a fresh generation donning the green and gold, things look a bit different, but as promising as ever.
Despite a defense-first style, Australia have shown us that they can be exciting in the final third as well. The size on their backline gives them an aerial advantage, allowing them to win more balls and start more counterattacks. This gives 20-year-old winger Nestory Irankunda a chance to show off his skills with space to run into and could be a recipe for disaster for any team unfortunate enough to fall in Australia’s path.
The Prediction
The USMNT showed that they’re capable of exerting pressure and dictating a game against Paraguay. The Socceroos showed that they can counterattack against talented opponents. What does that sound like to you? AN ABSOLUTE BARN-BURNER? YEAH, I THINK SO TOO. I’m buzzing for this one, if that wasn’t already clear. I don’t know if I’m a reliable fortune-teller here, but I’m going to try anyway.
After a tight first half ends 1-1, the USMNT are going to come out of the break and put on an absolute masterclass to keep the momentum in Red, White, and Blue. Pulisic brace. Tillman with a hattrick of assists. Tyler Adams getting STUCK in. 4-2, USA. Sorry, England fans, it’s not coming home; it’s already here, and it’s called soccer.
