USA vs Australia World Cup player ratings: USMNT clinches Round of 32

The U.S. men's national team continued its 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Australia on Friday, June 19 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. The win guarantees the USA a spot in the Round of 32.

Mauricio Pochettino was forced into one massive change from the lineup that opened the tournament as Christian Pulisic was ruled out with a calf injury. He opted for a two-striker setup by bringing in Ricardo Pepi to play alongside Folarin Balogun up top.

It was a carbon copy of the opener as the Americans got off to a fast start once again, forcing another own goal from Australia's Cameron Burgess in the 11th minute. The U.S. controlled most of the half, piling on the pressure and maintaining possession. That pressure paid off in a second goal as Alex Freeman scored in the 44th minute, tapping in a deflection and needing VAR to overturn an offside call.

Coming out of the break, Australia worked their way into the match a bit more as the pressed for a goal. However, the U.S. held firm defensively and kept them at bay. It was a chippy and combative second 45 minutes, but in the end, Pochettino's side prevailed and punched their ticket to the knockout rounds.

The USMNT's final group stage match will be against Turkey on Thursday, June 25 in California.

Let's take a look at how the U.S. players performed:

GK: Matt Freese - 6.5

He was credited with two saves, both routine. He's yet to be tested with any difficult moments.

RWB: Sergiño Dest - 7

Dest was up and down the flank all day, causing many issues for Australia. It was a much better showing in the attack as he was constantly penetrating into the box and creating.

RCB: Alex Freeman - 8.5

It was another mature performance defensively and in the build-up for the youngster. He was rewarded for his effort with an unforgettable moment, a goal in the World Cup. He's proving to be one of the breakout stars of this team and is surely making a name for himself around the soccer world.

CCB: Chris Richards - 8

The man in the middle of the defense was in the middle of everything as he dealt with everything thrown at him. Whether it was in the air or tracking runners, he proved how valuable he is sto this team.

LCB: Tim Ream - 7

The worries of him being susceptible to Australia's pace on the counter-attack were only an issue once or twice. He was extremely clean on the ball in possession and helped organize the defense to keep their first clean sheet in nearly nine months.

LWB: Antonee Robinson - 6.5

While he had Australia's right back stressing all day, he didn't have as impactful of a showing in the attack as he did against Paraguay. The attack seemed more focused towards the right side.

CM: Tyler Adams - 7

Whether he was throwing his body in front of a shot in the box or flying into tackles, Adams continues to embody the spirit of this team on the field.

CM: Weston McKennie - 7

The USA's Swiss Army Knife continues to do it all. No matter where he shows up on the field, he's contributing something positive on both ends.

CM: Malik Tillman - 7.5

Tillman put in another impressive shift in the midfield, especially working hard to win the ball high up the field to help create chances. His work rate has been second to none so far in this tournament.

ST: Folarin Balogun - 7

It was his blinding pace that forced the early own goal. He had a few very good chances to add to his goal tally but was unable to convert them. One thing that was noticeable in this performance is just how good his hold-up play can be.

ST: Ricardo Pepi - 6.5

The surprise addition to the starting lineup, Pepi offered some good hold-up play that helped link midfield and attack. He didn't get a chance on goal, but played the role he was asked to play nicely to help those around him.

Sub: Sebastian Berhalter - 5.5

A bit sloppy on the ball in the few big chances he had to make an impact.

Sub: Joe Scally - 6

Did well to help shut Australia down on the flanks.

Sub: Auston Trusty - 6

He added a boost of energy and size to help deal with the added pressure of Australia pushing for a goal.

Sub: Gio Reyna - NR

Stoppage-time sub.

Sub: Haji Wright - NR

Stoppage-time sub.