Co-hosts United States and Australia will face each other in their 2026 FIFA World Cup second Group D match at the Settle Stadium on Friday evening. 

Both teams started their campaigns on a positive note, with the United States thrashing Paraguay 4-1, while Australia stunned Türkiye 2-0 in a game many thought the European country would win.

Going into the match on Friday, the United States and Australia are on three points each, and a win for either side will guarantee them a place in the round of 32.

The United States have reached the knockout round in their last three appearances, while Australia have only managed to achieve the same feat twice in their six prior participation in the tournament.

Player to watch out for 

For the United States, forward Folarin Balogun is the man expected to shine for the Yanks again after he stole the show in the opening game against Paraguay, scoring twice in the match. 

He became the first American player to score multiple goals in a World Cup match for the United States since 1930. 

Another player is Christian Pulisic. He is a proven goalscorer for the national team, with 33 goals in 87 appearances for the United States.

He only played 45 minutes in the opening match before being subbed off as a precaution against injury. He still managed to provide an assist and created the play that led to the United States’ opener from an own goal. 

For Australia, 20-year-old Nestory Irankunda is the player who can win the match for Australia. He netted the opener in the victory over Türkiye. 

Speaking ahead of the match, Australia head coach Tony Popovic said the Socceroos are looking to build on the momentum from their win over Türkiye.

“We know that we want to earn our respect. We know that by our performances, we can put Australian football on the world map, and that’s what we aim to do.

“We started off well against Turkey, winning. Now we want to back it up. And we’ll continue striving to do that, to improve our football and improve our standing in how people perceive Australian football,” Popovic mentioned.

Meanwhile, the United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino stated, “Australia is going to be a really tough opponent. Good players, good organisation, great coach. We’ll see. If he is not available tomorrow, he will be available for the next game. But I think he’s doing a massive effort, trying to be ready.”