2026 World Cup: United States vs. Australia—Probable Lineups

The United States and Australia will face off at 9 p.m. (Italian time) on Friday at Lumen Field in Seattle for their second match of Group D in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. After their 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening match, the hosts are looking to secure their qualification right away, and the same goes for the Australians, who surprised and defeated Turkey 2-0 in their first game. The winner will also be all but guaranteed first place in the group.

Pochettino is expected to field the same starting lineup that dominated Paraguay. The only player at risk is Christian Pulisic, who was substituted at halftime after taking a knock that he should have recovered from by now; the AC Milan forward is expected to start in the attacking midfield alongside Dest and McKennie. Balogun is the center forward. Adams and Tillman are in midfield.

Australia will feature Touré as center forward, supported by Irankunda (the star of the match against Turkey) and Metcalfe. In midfield, Okon-Engstler and O’Neill start, with Italiano and Bos on the wings.

USA vs. Australia: Probable Lineups
United States (4-2-3-1): Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson; T. Adams, Tillman; Dest, McKennie, Pulisic; Balogun. Head Coach: Pochettino.
AUSTRALIA (3-4-2-1): Beach; Burgess, Souttar, Circati; Italiano, Okon-Engstler, O’Neill, Bos; Irankunda, Metcalfe; Touré. Head Coach: Popovic