USMNT rides early goals to win over Australia to clinch knockout round berth

The Americans are advancing.

For the second straight game, the USMNT rode first-half goals — including an Australia own goal — for a 2-0 win that earned them a berth in the knockout round of the 2026 World Cup.

Antonee Robinson #5 of the United States passes the ball under pressure from Jacob Italiano #4 of Australia. FIFA via Getty Images

The Socceroos’ Cameron Burgess tipped the ball past his own goalie at the game’s 11-minute mark, giving the US a lead it would double at 43′, thanks to Alex Freeman’s tally.

Goalie Matt Freese posted his second clean sheet of the tournament, backstopping the USMNT to another three point in the Group D standings.

United States’ Alex Freeman (16), second left, celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the World Cup Group D soccer match between the United States and Australia. AP Photo/Manu Fernandez

The Americans will face Turkiye on Thursday in their final clash of the group stage, though coach Mauricio Pochettino’s squad has some options with its ticket already punched.