World Cup 2026: USA overcome Pulisic absence to reach knockout
The United States have advanced to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 2-0 victory over Australia, achieving the feat despite the absence of injured star forward Christian Pulisic.
The Americans clinched their spot from Group G with a game to spare, marking the first time they have advanced to the knockout round after only two matches. Their previous best as hosts came in 1994, when they progressed as one of the best third-place teams before losing to eventual champions Brazil in the round of 16.
Pulisic, the AC Milan forward with 33 goals in 87 international appearances, missed Friday’s match due to a calf injury. But a deep US roster rose to the occasion.
The Americans took a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute when Folarin Balogun’s centering pass deflected off Australia defender Cameron Burgess and into his own net. Balogun had scored twice in the 4-1 victory over Paraguay in the tournament opener.
Alex Freeman, the youngest player on the team at 21 and son of Super Bowl champion Antonio Freeman, doubled the lead in the 43rd minute. The right-back headed in a deflected shot by Sergino Dest for his first career World Cup goal, confirmed after a video review.
US head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who took over in August 2025, has consistently stressed the importance of squad depth. After Pulisic was ruled out, Pochettino said: “No player is bigger than the team. We have a group that believes in each other, and tonight we showed that.”
The USA have already secured their place in the knockout round, with their final group match against Tunisia on June 23 offering an opportunity to secure top spot. Pulisic’s availability for the knockout stages remains uncertain.
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