United States vs Australia Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Hosts USA take to the pitch for the second time in this World Cup as they lock horns with Australia in Group D.

The USA kicked off their campaign with an impressive 4-1 win over Paraguay. Mauricio Pochettino's side were utterly dominant, to the point fans were calling the performance the best in the US's World Cup history.

The US enjoyed 67% of the possession and recorded 17 shots on goal, compared to just 6 for Paraguay, and were 3-0 up at half-time thanks to goals from Folarin Balogun (X2) and an own goal, before Gio Reyna capped off the win at the death.

The win means progression to the next round is already highly likely for the hosts, but they'll want to register another win and make moves towards topping their group.

Australia, meanwhile, enjoyed an excellent win of their own as they sprung a surprise to beat Turkey 2-0.

It was a deserved victory for the Aussies, who set up in an organised, resolute back five and limited a quality-laden Turkey team to no clear cut chances, with Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scoring fine breakaway goals in each half.

Contrary to Paraguay, who were highly passive and static in defence, Australia were very dogged, very mobile and had plenty of pace on the break.

The US are firm favourites for this game, but Australia's style means they should be much more competitive than Paraguay were.

USA 2-1 Australia

• Date: 19/05/2026
• Kick-off: 8:00pm
• Location: Lumen Field, Seattle

The USA were not shy of standout performers last week, but the pick of the bunch were attackers Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun.

Pulisic looked like a man possessed on the left wing, with his speed and tight space dribbling skills giving the Paraguayan right-back fits.

Pulisic has long been the US's talisman but he's arguably still searching for a signature tournament showing, but based on last week, he may well just take this World Cup by storm.

Striker Folarin Balogun looked every bit a top-class striker, too. The London-raised striker has lightning pace and times his runs excellently, and constantly found himself stretching the Paraguayan backline with runs in behind.

His two goals were finely taken, and should be presented with more chances on Friday, it's hard not be confident that he'll take them.

Australia, though, have quality of their own, and Nestory Irankunda scored one of the goals of the tournament to open the scoring against Turkey.

Still only 20, the Watford forward is still raw in his makeup but he has bags of speed and his shooting ability is brilliant, making him the ideal profile for a side that likes to play on the break.

To give a more defensively-minded player some praise, centre-back Harry Souttar was an absolute rock against the Turks.

Souttar's box defending nouse and his imposing stature makes him another essential profile for the way Australia like to play, and he didn't put a foot wrong in the Aussie's opener.

If Australia are to get anything from the game against the US, Souttar will need to deliver another excellent performance.

This game will be televised live to all UK viewers on BBC One.