Co-host United States of America have booked a spot in the 2026 World Cup knockout stages after defeating Australia 2-0 on Friday, in their second Group D fixture at the Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington.

The U.S. opened scoring with an own goal by Australia’s Cameron Burgess in the 11th minute, before Alex Freeman, made it two in the 43rd minute.

With their 4-1 victory against Paraguay, last Saturday, the U.S.A have now joined fellow co-hosts Mexico as the first two teams to qualify for the round of 32.

Hours later, the second matchday two fixture in the group, witnessed Turkey lose 1-0 to Paraguay, following a two minutes goal by Matias Galarza.

With the results, the U.S.A sit top of the group with six points, followed by Australia with three. Paraguay is third, also with three point but have an inferior goal difference, while Turkey is bottom with no point.

To displace the U.S. from the group’s top spot, Australia will need to put more than five unreplied goals past Paraguay, on Thursday, at the Levi’s Stadium in California, while Paraguay need over seven unreplied goals. 

Even if any of them achieve the feat, they will still need Turkey to do them a favour by beating the U.S. at the SoFi Stadium in California, same day. 

However, the winner between Paraguay and Australia will secure them automatic qualification in the knock out phase but a draw will hurt thier chance. Meanwhile, a win for Turkey might not be enough for them to advance after their first two losses.