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USA and Australia will put their perfect starts in Group D on the line when they meet at Seattle Stadium on Friday. Both nations opened their 2026 World Cup campaigns with impressive victories and another three points here would put them in a commanding position to reach the knockout rounds.
The USA produced one of the standout performances of matchday one, thrashing Paraguay 4-1 to move top of the group. Australia also exceeded expectations in their opener, upsetting Turkey 2-0 despite spending long periods without possession.
While the co-hosts will be favourites in Seattle, the Socceroos have already shown they can frustrate stronger opponents and will arrive full of confidence after their shock victory over Turkey.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
USA vs Australia key stats
- Australia have won each of their last five competitive matches.
- Both sides have scored in eight of USA's last nine matches.
- Five of USA's last seven matches have produced 10.5 corners.
USA vs Australia preview: Can the home nation secure back to back wins?
| USA | vs | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | FIFA Ranking | 22 |
| Christian Pulisic (87) | Most Caps | Hakan Calhanoglu (106) |
| Christian Pulisic (33) | Most Goals | Hakan Calhanoglu (22) |
| 977 | Total Caps | 750 |
| 128 | Total Goals | 76 |
| 0 | Uncapped Players | 0 |
The USA arrived at the tournament under pressure, but their emphatic victory over Paraguay quickly silenced many doubts. Mauricio Pochettino's side were aggressive from the outset and never looked back after taking an early lead.
Folarin Balogun was the star of the show, scoring twice to become just the second player in USA history to net more than once in a World Cup match. Giovanni Reyna also found the scoresheet late on as the Stars and Stripes underlined their attacking quality.
That result extended a promising run of form for the Americans, who also impressed in pre-tournament fixtures against Senegal and Germany. The performance against Paraguay suggested they could be capable of making a deep run on home soil.
Pochettino is expected to stick with the side that dismantled Paraguay. Christian Pulisic was withdrawn at half-time after suffering a knock, but both the manager and Tyler Adams have indicated that the AC Milan forward should be fit to start.
Australia stunned many observers by beating Turkey 2-0 on matchday one, with goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe securing a famous victory.
The Socceroos had to withstand significant pressure throughout the contest, conceding most of the possession and facing 30 shots. However, their disciplined defensive display frustrated Turkey and highlighted the resilience within Tony Popovic's squad.
Goalkeeper Patrick Beach was the standout performer, producing eight saves on his competitive debut for the national team, and his display was instrumental in helping Australia secure one of the biggest results of the opening round.
Popovic is unlikely to make major changes following such an impressive win. Beach should continue behind a back three of Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar and Cameron Burgess, while Australia will be looking to build on a result that has given them genuine belief heading into this clash with the USA.
USA vs Australia form guide & betting tips
| USA | vs | Australia |
|---|---|---|
LLWLW |
Form | WWLDW |
| 10 | Goals For | 9 |
| 12 | Goals Against | 3 |
W |
WORLD CUP | W |
Whispers predicts: USA 2-2 Australia
At 11/10 (2.10), Over 2.5 Goals looks a strong option. Seven of the USA's last eight matches have featured at least three goals, while our predicted 2-2 scoreline points towards another entertaining contest.
Both Teams to Score – Yes at 21/20 (2.05) is difficult to ignore given the USA's recent record. Eight of their last nine matches have seen both sides get on the scoresheet, which bodes well for another open contest.
The corners market could provide additional value, with Over 10.5 Corners at 2/1 (3.00) landing in five of the USA's previous seven matches. An open game with chances at both ends should lead to plenty of attacking situations and set-piece opportunities.
For goalscorer backers, Folarin Balogun to score anytime at 6/4 (2.50) is worth considering. The striker has netted seven goals in his last 11 international appearances and is likely to be at the centre of the USA's attacking play.
While Over 2.5 Goals and BTTS – Yes are the standout selections, a correct score of 2-2 at 22/1 (23.0) offers an attractive outsider bet for those chasing a bigger return.
> Over 2.5 goals at 1/1 (2.0) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 21/20 (2.05) | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 10.5 corners at 2/1 (3.0) | Likelihood: Probable
> Folarin Balogun to score anytime at 6/4 (2.5) | Likelihood: Probable
> Correct score: 2-2 at 22/1 (23.0) | Likelihood: Outsider