Alex Freeman goal extends USA's World Cup lead vs Australia after VAR check
Jordan MendozaEditor's note: Follow for live updates from Australia-USMNT match today!
After a scoring frenzy in their first 2026 World Cup game, the United States men's national team continues to find the back of the net in match No. 2.
The USMNT scored twice in the first half against Australia on Friday, June 19, with Alex Freeman getting the second goal of the day in Seattle.
It came in the 43rd minute. Off a free kick just outside the box, Sergio Dest drilled a shot that got deflected into the air. U.S. players hurried as the ball came down and Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach was caught off guard.
Freeman raced in and a header got the ball for a goal.
Initially, the goal was waved off as the side official ruled offside. However, a video review showed Freeman was onside, and the goal was put on the scoreboard, as the squad and home crowd erupted in celebration when the decision was announced.
The score was Freeman's first World Cup goal.
Goal No. 1 was scored in the 11th minute, when emerging star Folarin Balogun sent a quick strike in the box that bounced off Australia's Cameron Burgess and past the goalkeeper for an own goal.
The goal comes after the U.S. scored four in its tournament opening win over Paraguay, a team World Cup record. With six goals already through two games, its the most group stage goals for the U.S. since 1930, the first edition of the tournament.
It's a critical score as the host country tries to punch its ticket to the knockout round, which would be clinched with a victories over the Aussies. USMNT can win two group stage games and earn six points in the World Cup for the first time since 1930.
Watch every World Cup game with FuboUSA 2026 World Cup Schedule
USMNT is in World Cup in Group D.
- June 12: USA def. Paraguay (4-1)
- June 19: USA vs Australia, 3 p.m. ET, Lumen Field, Seattle on FOX
- June 25: USA vs Türkiye, 10 p.m. ET, Sofi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif. on FOX
Streaming available on Fubo or the Fox One App. Spanish language broadcasts are available on Telemundo and Peacock.
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