Co-hosts USA continue their World Cup campaign by taking on Australia at Seattle Stadium in their second group-stage match.
Group D
Saturday, 20 June | Seattle Stadium
Kick-off time
03:00 (GMT+8)
The match
This top-of-the-table battle pits together two sides who secured impressive wins in their opening matches. Co-hosts USA put four past Paraguay in arguably the nation’s greatest tournament showing, while Australia downed a much-fancied Turkey side thanks to stunning goals by Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe. A win for either side here would book their spot in the knockout stage.
USA possible starting XI
Freese; Freeman, Miles Robinson, Ream, Antonee Robinson; Dest, Adams, McKennie, Tillman, Aaronson; Balogun
Australia possible starting XI
Beach; Circati, Souttar, Burgess; Italiano, Okon-Engstler, O’Neill, Bos; Metcalf, Irankunda, Toure
What they said…
“During the first match, there were lots of people at the stadium – some because they love football, others who were at the stadium for the first time. I hope that what we showed on the pitch, through our performance, really moved people emotionally. I hope the same will happen tomorrow too. We know we’re responsible for the growth of this sport here in America. The fans who come to the stadium for the national team, the national anthem, knowing you have people on your side supporting you – all of this is inspiring. Even when you’re tired and you hear them cheering you on for a tackle or a piece of play, the adrenaline kicks in. Weston McKennie, USA midfielder
“I think it will be difficult to play against Australia, because they sit very deep in defence, especially if they use five defenders. There will be space on the wings, and one-on-one situations will be crucial for creating space and numerical superiority. This World Cup can certainly change the perception of football here, and a lot depends on how far we will go. I believe that if we continue to play as we did against Paraguay, we’ll succeed in this. Tomorrow’s match will be a tough one, for them and for us. Our coach was pleased with how we approached the first match; it went very well, exceeding expectations. I think we’re all more confident in our abilities after the first match, because we know Paraguay are a tough side to face, and we’ll see that reflected in their results in the coming matches.” Sergino Dest, USA defender
“Tomorrow’s match will obviously be a different challenge from the first one. Turkey played a very European style of football, the United States have a very balanced, physical and technical style of play. We’re well prepared for tomorrow’s match and we’re aware of the United States’ strengths. Tomorrow is a great opportunity to have a good performance and secure an important result. I’m not surprised by [Mauricio] Pochettino’s career. I’ve been following him for some time and hold him in very high regard as a manager.” Tony Popovic, Australia coach
Seattle Stadium
Seattle Stadium boasts a unique horseshoe shape with an open north end to give a stunning view of the Seattle skyline. Featuring twice in the Guinness World Records as the loudest outdoor stadium, with the feats achieved in September and December 2013, the ground has become known as a fortress for the likes of Major League Soccer side Seattle Sounders and the National Football League’s Seattle Seahawks. Six FIFA Club World Cup™ matches were held at the venue during the 2025 tournament, including Inter Milan’s 2-0 victory over River Plate and Paris-Saint-Germain’s 2-0 triumph over the Sounders in the group stage.