USA vs. Australia live updates: World Cup 2026 score, news and highlights
All eyes are locked on Seattle as the USMNT looks to turn a brilliant start into a dominant World Cup 2026 run.
After Mauricio Pochettino’s squad dismantled Paraguay in a 4-1 thrashing down in Los Angeles, the Americans are flying high. But Friday’s match at Lumen Field should be a test.
A win for the USMNT punches their ticket to the knockout rounds — buy they’ll have to do it without star Christian Pulisic, who was declared out shortly before the match with a lingering calf injury.
Follow The Post’s live updates for the latest World Cup scores, news and highlights.
Editor’s Note: This live blog is updated with the assistance of AI, with oversight from the Post’s editorial team.
USA not sitting back
More good work from Freeman, as he combines with Dest before the PSV man fires a low shot which is saved.
It’s not a goal, but it’s a sign of the continued intent here – the Americans are not just going to sit back and play this out conservatively.
Elmo backs USMNT after Knicks-Spurs flub
Elmo is putting his support directly behind the USMNT after his Knicks-Spurs faux pas.
The Sesame Street resident said during the NBA Finals that he just wanted both teams to have fun, creating outrage from Knicks fans who reminded him that Sesame Street is canonically in New York City.
It appears the PBS puppet has thoroughly learned his lesson.
45+5′
United States 2 – 0 Australia
More bad luck for Bos!
He pushes forward on the left and thinks he’s earned a corner, but the call goes the other way.
It’s a goal kick, and Freese sends it right back into the Australia half.
45+3′
United States 2 – 0 Australia
Bos believes he’s earned Australia a free kick in the USA’s half, but the referee spots a handball just before Ream’s tackle.
A special moment for Freeman
Remember, Freeman is just 21 years old. While the VAR check was a bit anticlimactic, his USA teammates went wild afterwards as they sprinted towards the corner flag together and celebrated the young player’s goal.
45+2′
United States 2 – 0 Australia
Australia just needs to get to halftime without giving up another goal.
They’ve done very little of note so far and will need to change things to salvage anything from this match.
45′
United States 2 – 0 Australia
There will be a minimum of seven added minutes.
Freeman scores and the USA go up 2-0!
The defender heads in an easy rebound after a Dest shot deflects off of an Australia defender and pops into a perfect spot.
It’s initially ruled offside, but a VAR check changes that and the USA have doubled their lead!
43′
GOAL GIVEN!
The USA now lead 2-0!
A VAR review confirms Freeman was onside from Italiano’s touch when Dest took his shot.
A huge roar goes up as the referee makes the announcement and the celebrations restart!
43′
GOAL RULED OUT!
The offside flag is up!
Dest’s shot from a free kick, deflected high into the air, is nodded in by Freeman, but the goal won’t stand.
43′
United States 1 – 0 Australia
Dest and Tillman link up brilliantly down the right, though their passes to each other might have been unintentional.
Burgess reads the play well and covers, but a free kick is awarded to the USA in a dangerous spot.
Crédito: Link de origem
45+6′
United States 2 – 0 Australia
CLOSE FOR DEST!
Tilman sparks a great move, releasing Freeman on the right.
Freeman cuts inside and lays it back for Dest, whose powerful drive toward the bottom-left corner is saved by Beach.