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The US men’s national team made a statement to open its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, routing Paraguay 4-1 last week behind two goals from Folarin Balogun.
The U.S. struck with less than seven minutes left to take a 1-0 lead when Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla redirected the ball into his own net. Fans inside the packed stadium in Inglewood, Calif., roared as the USMNT grabbed an early advantage.
The result gave the USA its largest World Cup margin of victory since 1930, when the Americans won twice by 3–0 scores in the inaugural edition of the tournament.
After opening the tournament in Southern California, the USMNT will stay on the West Coast and move north to Seattle for their next group stage match against Australia at 3 p.m. ET.
WATCH USA VS AUSTRALIA ON FOX ONE
A photo of the ball in the back of the net after the USMNT scores a goal in a FIFA World Cup match against Paraguay in the group stage at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California on June 12, 2026. (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Australia opened their World Cup campaign last week with a 2-0 win over Türkiye.
Under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT entered the tournament ranked 17th in the FIFA world rankings. FIFA determines its world rankings using the Elo rating system, which rewards teams for wins and penalizes them for losses, while also taking into account the strength of competition.
Team USA’s star midfielder Christian Pulisic remains a question after being substituted after last week’s win over Paraguay with a left calf problem. Pulisic said the move was a precautionary measure after he took a kick to the calf, adding that he “really hoped it was nothing.”
Fans of the U.S. men’s national team celebrate outside Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, Friday, June 12, 2026. (Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT / AFP via Getty Images))
Pochettino said he will consult the medical staff before deciding whether Pulisic can play in a crucial Group D match. The result of the match could help decide which team sits at the top of the group next week.
“Tonight – the day before the game – we have a meeting with our medical area and we will assess the whole group, the players and tomorrow we will communicate about the things we cannot agree on. [on] tonight,” Pochettino told reporters on Thursday. “He’s involved[ed]he is much better from Friday. We’ll see.”
WATCH USA VS AUSTRALIA
This year’s World Cup features an expanded field of 48 teams.
How to watch the game, including kick-off time, TV information and streaming options.
Sebastian Berhalter and Giovanni Reyna of the United States celebrate after their victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match against Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California on June 12, 2026. (Jared C. Tilton/FIFA via Getty Images)
How to watch USA vs Australia
When: Friday 19 June 2026 at 3 p.m. ET
Where: Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington
TV: FOX
Current: Watch Three Days Free on FOX One, Watch Free on Tubi, FOX Sports.
