SEATTLE — The United States Men’s National Team secured passage to the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout round with a 2-0 defeat of Australia at Lumen Field on Friday, June 19, propelled by four players who came through the FC Dallas academy system.
Australia defender Cameron Burgess scored an own goal in the 11th minute under pressure from FC Dallas product Ricardo Pepi (No. 9, El Paso). Alex Freeman doubled the lead with a 43rd-minute header — the first World Cup goal by a USMNT defender since John Brooks in 2014. The USMNT dominated the first half with 70 percent possession and 259 accurate passes to Australia’s 78. Pochettino’s starting XI: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, A. Robinson; Adams, Tillman, McKennie; Dest; Pepi, Balogun. Pulisic missed the match with a calf injury.
The Americans opened the tournament with a 4-1 win over Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles.
Texas talent on display