USA vs Australia: World Cup preview, predictions and bet builder tips

USA vs Australia match details

• Fixture: USA vs Australia

• Competition: World Cup - Group D

• Date: Friday, 19 June, 2026

• Kick-off: 20:00 BST

• Venue: Seattle Stadium

USA vs Australia match prediction

Our prediction: USA 2-0 Australia

USA vs Australia predicted lineups

USA

Our predicted XI (4-3-3): Freese / Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson / McKennie, Tillman, Adams / Dest, Balogun, Pulisic

Australia

Our predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Beach / Burgess, Souttar, Circati / Bos, Okon-Engstler, O'Neill, Italiano / Irankunda, Metcalfe / Toure

USA vs Australia bet builder tips

USA to win

The United States were one of the standout teams from the opening round of World Cup fixtures, cruising to a 4-1 victory over Paraguay.

Pochettino's side impressed with their attacking intent and created problems throughout the match with their pace, movement and quality in the final third.

Australia also won their opener against Turkey, but the Socceroos entered the tournament on the back of two friendly matches without a victory.

The USA's recent record against non-European opposition is also impressive, with seven consecutive matches unbeaten since a defeat to South Korea in September 2025.

That run includes a 2-1 victory over Australia in October of last year, and our experts are backing the Americans to come out on top once again.

Over 1.5 goals to be scored

Recent matches involving both sides suggest we should see goals on Friday night.

Australia's last ten matches have produced 24 goals, averaging just under 2.5 goals per game.

The USA's recent fixtures have been even more entertaining, with only one of their last ten matches featuring fewer than two goals.

In fact, the Americans' last ten games have averaged 3.8 goals per match, highlighting how frequently their matches produce goals.

The meeting between these two nations in 2025 also comfortably cleared this line, so we're expecting at least two goals once again.

Folarin Balogun to score

Folarin Balogun announced himself on the World Cup stage with a brace against Paraguay and looks full of confidence heading into this fixture.

The striker has firmly established himself as the USA's first-choice centre-forward and appears to be thriving under Pochettino's attacking system.

Balogun also enjoyed a productive domestic campaign, scoring 13 goals in 26 Ligue 1 appearances for Monaco.

Australia conceded more than a goal per game on average across their five matches prior to the World Cup, and we're backing Balogun to add to his tally.

Nestory Irankunda to have 2+ shots

Nestory Irankunda remains Australia's biggest attacking threat and should still see opportunities despite the USA entering as favourites.

The winger impressed in Australia's opening victory over Turkey, registering two shots on target and finding the back of the net.

Although the USA dominated Paraguay in their opener, they still conceded chances and a goal, suggesting Australia will have opportunities to attack.

Irankunda averaged 1.7 shots per game for Watford in the Championship last season and only needs to slightly exceed that average for this selection to land.

Given his confidence and willingness to shoot from almost any position, we're backing Irankunda to register at least two efforts.

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All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.

View the latest World Cup 2026 odds.