Mauricio Pochettino's side were among the standout performers of the opening round, beating Paraguay 4-1 in front of a home crowd. Folarin Balogun scored twice to become only the second American player to net a World Cup brace, while Giovanni Reyna added a late fourth as the co-hosts delivered the kind of performance many supporters had hoped to see heading into the tournament.

The result eased some of the doubts that had surrounded the USA before the tournament and left the co-hosts well placed heading into Matchday 2.

Australia, meanwhile, have already upset expectations once.

Tony Popovic's side produced one of the biggest surprises of Matchday 1 with a 2-0 win over Turkey, a team many had identified as potential dark horses before the tournament.

Goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe secured the result, while goalkeeper Patrick Beach also impressed on his competitive debut.

Another win would leave Australia well placed to reach the Round of 32.

Christian Pulisic was substituted at half-time against Paraguay after suffering a knock, but both Pochettino and captain Tyler Adams have indicated he is expected to be available.

The United States have won the last two meetings between the sides, including a 2-1 victory in October 2025.

With both teams level on three points, victory would put either side in a strong position to secure qualification and strengthen their chances of finishing top of Group D.

Predicted USA lineup:

Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson; Adams, Tillman; Dest, McKennie, Pulisic; Balogun

Predicted Australia lineup:

Beach; Circati, Souttar, Burgess; Italiano, O'Neill, Okon-Engstler, Bos; Metcalfe, Irankunda; Toure

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