Times of San Diego will offer match previews of U.S. and Mexico games during the World Cup. For more, see our 2026 World Cup Guide to local watch parties.
Match: US vs. Australia
When: Noon, Friday
How to watch: Fox5 San Diego, Telemundo and FOX One.
Team USA comes into its second match of the World Cup after a historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay. It was the first time the US squad scored four goals in a World Cup match.
The team began the World Cup following up-and-down play in 10 friendlies over the last 12 months since it lost the Concacaf Gold Cup final to Mexico almost a year ago. But those exhibition matches included a 2-1 win over Australia on Oct. 14, 2025 in Colorado.
Both teams will stay on the West Coast for the game, with the US going from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles to Lumen Field in Seattle, while the Socceroos shift south from Vancouver, where they played Turkey.
US
Strengths: The win over Paraguay included an absolute golazo on the final play of the game from midfielder Gio Reyna and a brace by forward Folarin Balogun. Goalkeeper Matt Freese also had an outstanding performance. The only blemish? In the 77th minute, his backline got caught flat-footed on Paraguay’s lone goal.
Keep an eye on: Forward Christian Pulisic, who was subbed out at halftime versus Paraguay for what was described as precautionary reasons after taking a kick to his left calf.
Australia
Australia upset Turkey 2-0, with goals by forwards Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe.
Australia’s deepest run in the World Cup came when it reached the round of 16 in 2006 (falling to Italy) and 2022, when it was eliminated by the eventual champion, Argentina. Even a draw versus the US would all but assure the country a pass out of Group D to the knockout round, barring a multi-goal defeat to Paraguay in their next match.
Strengths: The Socceroos exhibited their quick-strike counterattack throughout the Turkey match, and created the best scoring chances despite only controlling 37% of possession.
Keep an eye on: Irankunda, who will look to exploit his speed and agility whenever he sees a one-on-one opportunity or on any turnover in the midfield by the US. Just like the game against Turkey, the Socceroos will look to score first and lock down defensively in order to at least come out with one point.
Also, expect the defenders to play a more physical game, knowing that the US likes to throw numbers into the box on set pieces and corner kicks.
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