Socceroos' opponent knocked out in stunning fashion

• LISTEN LIVE to the World Cup
• SYNC our World Cup commentary to your TV
• USA 2-0 Socceroos FT
• Scotland 0-1 Morocco FT
• Brazil 3-0 Haiti FT
• Turkiye 0-1 Paraguay FT

Turkiye knocked out in stunning fashion

Not many would have predicted that Turkiye's World Cup campaign would come to an end by the second match.

And yet, here we are.

Despite being down to 10 men for the entirety of the second half, Paraguay held on for a famous victory in Santa Clara, with Matías Galarza's goal in the second minute enough to get the job done.

This was despite their domination in possession and in shots.

That means Turkiye joins Haiti as the second side to be eliminated in the 48-team tournament and guarantees that the Socceroos will not finish any lower than third.

This makes their clash against Paraguay on Friday effectively a battle for second place, which secures automatic entry into the Round of 32.

Currently, Australia holds that advantage by having the superior goal difference over the South American side, which means a draw against Paraguay would be enough to lock up second.

That would see them face off against the second-place finisher in Group G, which is currently Iran, in the first knockout round.

But a loss would see them reliant of other results amongst the other third place finishers to secure a top eight spot amongst that cohort.

Socceroos handed boost thanks to brand new rule

While the Socceroos didn't get the result they wanted, their chances of getting a result in their final group match have improved.

In Paraguay's clash against Turkiye (which they won 1-nil), star player Miguel Almiron has been red carded for covering his mouth during a confrontation.

This has been one of the new rules brought in for this year's World Cup after an incident where Brazil and Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. was verbally abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during a Champions League match, with Prestianni covering his mouth during that process.

The 32-year-old attacking midfielder, who previously represented Newcastle in the Premier League, is arguably Paraguay's most notable player.

That will see him miss the last group game against the Socceroos, which takes place next Friday afternoon.

Grella gets the last laugh

Mike Grella has spoken for the first time since the US’ victory over the Socceroos, leaving no love lost.

Grella had become public enemy No. 1 in Australia throughout the week, having doubled and tripled down on his belief that the USA would dominate their clash against the Socceroos.

Following their 2-0 victory on Saturday morning, he got the last laugh.

And speaking after the match, the former US youth representative took plenty of joy in being proven right.

“There’s the United States of America over here,” he said.

“This is a special place with big characters with big personality.

"This is a place that demands respect. It’s a game of football. But at the end of the day, I think you see, everybody wants to believe, everybody wants to compete.

“At the end the football spoke. Two nil. Thankyou very much.

“Goodbye, see you, 9400 miles, you can think about the game today.”

He then decided to hit Nestory Irankunda’s Michael Jackson-inspired crotch grab celebration.

After that, he then compared Australia to being a “little puppy” in the way of Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

“It’s like you’re in this dark alley, you hear this barking, and you’re like, ‘Uh oh, I’m in trouble, I don’t know where I am’.

“And you turn the corner and think you’re in danger...and you see this little puppy there, this little puppy, so small.

"He’s got a little Australian jersey on and making all this noise. And you just go to him (waves hand), ‘Shoo shoo’.

“That’s where they’ve gotta go now. They’ve gotta go play and win another game to get into the knockout stage.”

WHAT A START BY PARAGUAY

After getting off to a poor start against the USA, Paraguay have reversed their form against Turkiye.

Matías Galarza has opened their account within the first two minutes.

But only moments later, he's received a yellow card.

What a manic opening five minutes.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes that the USA should start believing that they can win the FIFA World Cup.

After a comfortable 2-0 win over Australia, the US have now started the World Cup with two wins from two - only the second time they've done so across their history within the tournament.

Under former Spurs and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, the US are playing fluent football in both attack and defence, clearly playing their best football since their golden era in the early 2000's.

Guaranteed to progress from Group D, the US are in fine form, and the Swedish legend believes it's time to have some faith in the co-hosts.

"They had a good performance today," Ibrahimovic told Fox Soccer.

"Pochettino did good, putting two strikers, doing high pressure and forcing Australia to throw long balls.

"To be honest, Australia was never a threat today. I said it before, whatever happened before the World Cup (doesn't matter). It's important what happens now.

"Now is the momentum to have. If you didn't believe before, I will repeat - start believing.

"They have the country behind them, and when you have this support, it is difficult to beat you.

"That is what they need. They just need to continue, bring confidence from game to game.

"Let's see what happens in the other game now. They can rest some players for the third game.

"They are qualified, and it's looking good."

Vinicus Jr. adds to Brazil's tally

The five-time World Champions are making light work of Haiti with Vini Jr. scoring their third goal of the first half.

He's now tied with Matheus Cunha for top goalscorer within the side with two each.

Two from Cunha!

Not one, but two goals in the first half for Matheus Cunha!

Given the start after coming off the bench against Morocco, the Brazilian number 9 has capitalised, bagging twice within 35 minutes against Haiti!

Brazil waste no time... but it's ruled out!

Raphinha has scored just 12 minutes into their match with Haiti... but it's ruled out for offside!

Haiti survive an early scare.

FULL TIME

Scotland pushed hard but couldn't break through - Ismael Saibari's goal after just 70 seconds proves the difference as Morocco claim a crucial 1-0 win.

Four points in the group should see them through to the Round of 32, with Brazil facing Haiti to seal their fate in Group C.

HALF TIME

Morocco's second-minute strike is the difference, they take a 1-0 lead over Scotland into half time.

Morocco make it 1-0 in a minute!

Morocco have immediately broken the deadlock against Scotland, finishing past Angus Gunn just over 60 seconds into the game!

Ismael Saibari scores his second goal of the World Cup, and the quickest of the tournament so far!

Tony Popovic post-game

“I don’t know if it was the occasion but we looked sluggish, heavy-legged, they were quicker, they were more powerful.

“They won every duel, they won every second ball and when you do that, it makes it very difficult to gain any momentum.

“Then we conceded two soft goals, but I thought the reaction second half was outstanding. This noise here, host nation, I think the players showed how good they are in the second half, but at this level, you can’t give away that much in the first.”

On the squad and the occasion:

“Every game is different. We had a lot of fatigues bodies in the first half. Physically and mentally, it was tough, but outstanding in the second half. We’ve got to build on that.

“There’s a lot of players here for the first time without that experience, but you have to look at the reaction.

“The reaction was very good, we did very well in the second half, we created opportunities. We were very aggressive, we won all the duels in the second half, so when you do that, you have a chance.

“Something to build on in the next match.”

On the second goal and the referee:

“I’m not sure on that one. We felt that, unfortunately that didn’t go our way. I think today was, I wouldn’t say the best day for the referee.

“We felt we were Australia today with the referees. Overall, we weren’t good enough in the first half.

“Second half we were – shame it took us a while to get going, but this is a World Cup. You’ve got to hand it to them, very strong.

“We’ve got to accept what happened today. I’m delighted with the second half and with all the players that came on and the players that could react that didn’t have a good first half.

“It’s a World Cup, we move on to Paraguay and we will work hard to be ready for that.”

FT: The Socceroos' dream start to the World Cup has been cut short, squandered 2-0 by the US in Seattle.

For all the media talk, the USMNT backed it up, claiming victory to top Group D after two excellent performances on home soil.

Australia will now await Turkiye's match with Paraguay, before facing the latter in Matchweek 3 to determine their fate ahead of the knockouts.

The final whistle goes, it's USA 2-0 Australia.

90'+7: Haji Wright - who just entered the game - threats on the counter, charging forward before his shot was blocked.

Called back for offside, final whistle imminent.

90'+6: Cristian Volpato has been the Socceroos' best since entering the game, attempting another cross without finding a head.

90'+3: Finally, the US are pinned with a foul. Nestory Irankunda was charging beyond the defensive line and was body checked by Chris Richards.

A yellow card has been given, and the referee is down with cramp!

90'+3: The US counter well, a dangerous ball is sent into the box but nobody there to meet it.

90': Only six minutes of added time.

90': Nestory Irankunda challenges for a header, and for some reason is pinned with a foul.

50/50 calls continuing to go the way of the co-hosts.

88': Harry Souttar and Folarin Balogun are going at it!

The pair have been lippy all game, and it's officially boiled over.

Yellow cards both ways from the referee as the pair of them are separated.

Jacob Italiano also booked amid the tussle.

87': Another ball sent into the box finds its way to Circati on the edge of the box, swinging at the ball and senting it over the bar.

84': Australia are threatening!

Circati presses up, receives the ball on the edge of the box and shoves it to Irankunda, who was challenged from behind!

Play resumes, goes out for a corner and Harry Souttar swings and misses at a golden opportunity!

Best chance of the game goes begging, but it feels as though a breakthrough is coming.

82': Connor Metcalfe sends a probing ball into the box that just drifts past the Socceroos' attack.

Playing with plenty of freedom.

81': Sergino Dest has been replaced by Joe Scally, while Auston Trusty replaces the carded Antonee Robinson.

78': Jacob Italiano goes down after copping a loose arm from Antonee Robinson.

Nothing in it.

78': Jackson Irvine has entered the game for Paul Okon-Engstler.

77': Australia fluent in attack now!

Yet to break through, but certainly the more threatening of the two sides.

Cristian Volpato looks incredibly dangerous.

73': The Socceroos are pressing high up the ground and are as energised as they have been all game!

That said, the US still maintain control.

Ricardo Pepi exits the came in exchange for Sebastian Berhalter.

71': Back underway.

68': HYDRATION BREAK

A significantly better start to the second half, however, yet to claw the scoreline back.

It remains 2-0 USA.

66': NO FOUL?!?

Nestory Irankunda bodylined by Chris Richards without the ball... and the referee waves play on!

65': Australia are attacking!

A high press sees the Socceroos win the ball back, with Volpato and Irankunda combining to find Metcalfe.

The shot was fired directly at Freese.

62': HUGE CHANCE VOLPATO

A beautiful ball sent Nestory Irankunda behind the American defence out wide, who composed himself and found Volpato free inside the box.

He fires with the right foot, sending the ball over the bar!

Australia's best chance and a bright start from Volpato!

61': The change is made. Matthew Leckie looks to have pulled a hamstring, and is withdrawn for Italian convert Volpato.

60': Matthew Leckie is yet to return to his feet. Cristian Volpato is readying on the bench as he prepares for a World Cup debut.

59': Australia finally find joy in attack.

Mat Leckie charged forward and luckily found Jordy Bos, sending a ball into the box towards Irankunda before being dealt with by Tim Ream.

56': YELLOW CARD

Antonee Robinson has been booked after a challenge on Matthew Leckie, clipping the winger as Australia won the ball.

54': Another clash of heads, this time Circati down in his defensive box.

51': BIG CHANCE USA!

Australia threatened forward and were caught well up the pitch, with Folarin Balogun sent over the defence and through on goal!

Alessandro Circati was brilliant to halt the attacker, limiting the strike which was sent out for a corner.

48': The Socceroos maintain the same shape despite the score and changes.

Irankunda takes the solo roll up top, while Geria slots into the right hand side of central defence, shifting Circati to the left.

45': We're underway for the second half!

Positive changes for the Socceroos.

45': Jason Geria, Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe enter the game, with Cameron Burgess, Nishan Velupillay and Mo Toure replaced.

Andy Harper's half time assessment

“Australia have been sleepy in Seattle, is that a fair assessment?” Simon Hill asked.

“Completely fair. The reasons for it, goodness only knows,” said Harper.

“Is the occasion too big for some of the players? Because this is a massive occasion.

“The noise pre-game hit 120 decibels – that’s going to shake you to your very skeleton. Didn’t seem as though they were able to respond to that.

“Maybe the emotional hangover from Vancouver... we’re just speculating, but when the game started and pretty much for the entirety of that first half, Australia clearly second best.

“The thing that you hang your hat on at the moment is that America didn’t run right away with it completely.

“The goals that did end up going in – Patrick Beach’s goal actually wasn’t threatened, apart from the own goal.

“The wing fullbacks pushed up on the US wingers – that space between the wide fullback and the centre backs… the US were driving MAC trucks through that!

“I thought that those parts of the field on the right- and left-hand side, Australia would absolutely make sure were shut dead.

“They haven’t been able to do that, and they’ve been ripped to pieces.

“Then, in the individual exchanges, not fast enough, not sharp enough and not quick enough on their own touch, and they’ve been exposed.

“The nature of the goals will give them some sort of encouragement.”

HALF TIME

The players are getting lippy here as the half time whistle is blown.

2-0, all of Australia's hard work against Turkiye has been wiped out in the first half.

A mountain of work to do, and a crucial break for Popovic and the Socceroos to reset.

Expect changes out of the break.

USA 2-0 Australia.

45': Another chance, Beach saves.

Freeman charges down the right hand side, attacking the space before cutting back to Sergino Dest.

He fires from the edge of the box, with Beach saving comfortably to his right.

45': Jordy Bos attacking through the middle and fouled by the US... however, the call has gone the hosts' way, as the ball deflected off Bos' arm before the foul.

45': "Second to the contest, not sharp enough. They've been second best."

Andy Harper keeps it honest as the USA dominate in Seattle.

"Tony Popovic has a lot of work to do at half time. They have had no answer, at all."

45': GOAL GIVEN!

Despite TWO Americans in an offside position, the goalscorer was onside, and the VAR has given it!

It's a contentious call given Beach's line of sight was heavily contested by an offside Balogun.

2-0 USA.

44': USA SCORE... but it's ruled out!

A free kick out wide saw a dangerous ball sent into the box, with a shot fired from the edge of the box, spooning up off of Harry Souttar's foot and up high.

Patrick Beach in no-mans land, Alex Freeman headed into an empty net, however, for now, he's been ruled offside.

VAR is having a look.

41': Back underway, with both players okay.

38': A nasty clash of heads seen Paul Okon-Engstler go down, hard.

He and US' Freeman down, and the medical teams are out.

34': As described by Andy Harper, this is a "full-blown assault" on the Socceroos.

It's been all USA in the first half.

Five shots to two, 32 per cent possession, two cards. Australia behind.

32': YELLOW CARD

Alessandro Circati enters the book.

Studs into the upper leg of Malik Tillman.

28': Antonee Robinson is finding far too much space on America's left hand side.

Italiano and Leckie beaten comfortably once again, thankfully a poor cross.

27': We are back underway in Seattle.

"This is a chance for the Socceroos just to relax. It's been a nervous performance for them," Andy Harper calls on the official SEN call.

Remember, if you're watching from home, to sync your TV to Simon Hill and Andy Harper's live call via the SEN app!

25': HYDRATION BREAK

USA take a one goal advantage into the drinks break.

The co-hosts have had the majority of chances in this one, dominating play and holding the advantage by one goal to nil.

23': Australia build well!

Best piece of play from the Socceroos since the first minute!

Matthew Leckie find space out wide and swings in a threatening ball to the awaiting Nishan Velupillay.

A brilliant defensive foot sends the ball out of play for a corner!

21': Double chance USA!

A ball over the back of the defensive line found Folarin Balogun, thankfully beaten by the bounce and collected by Patrick Beach.

Off the back of Beach's clearance, the ball once again found its way to Balogun, whose shot was blocked on the edge of the box.

18': A turnover exiting defence found Malik Tillman, swinging in a dangerous ball flashing right across goal!

16': YELLOW CARD

Australia's Jordy Bos has been booked after a challenge on Weston McKennie out wide.

The US are proving far too much for the Socceroos in the wide areas.

15': Tyler Adams once again the victim of a strong foul, this time Nishan Velupillay.

Australia slower to react thus far.

12': Chance Australia!

Matthew Leckie found the ball off the feet of Nishan Velupillay on the edge of the box, sending a pop shot at the US goal, just fading wide!

11': USA SCORE!

Cam Burgess with an own goal!

The USA attack once again down the wing, this time off the left.

Folarun Balogun beat Circati comfortably, the ball was delivered into the six-yard box, and Cam Burgess could do nothing but watch as the ball deflected off his feet and into the net.

1-0 US.

9': The US come again!

A brilliantly worked play on the right hand side saw Jordy Bos beat, with Serginio Dest entering the box and firing a shot, blocked superbly by Harry Souttar.

Australia standing firm, but the US presenting a different challenge.

8': Matthew Leckie a risky late challenge on Tyler Adams!

The referee is in talks with the veteran - a foul at most, no card awarded.

5': Dangerous attack from the US!

The ball swung in from the wide areas finds Ricardo Pepi, who - while unable to connect sweetly with the ball - found it at his feet deep in Australia's penalty area, dealt with before a foul was awarded to the Socceroos.

Once again, the US dangerous out wide.

3': Jacob Italiano wins a valuable goal kick as Antonee Robinson attacks down the left hand side.

Once more, the Socceroos are sitting deep and allowing the US to operate with the ball, as seen against Turkiye.

Winning recipe, no surprises.

1': HUGE CHANCE EARLY!

Mo Toure broke free from the defence in the early stages, firing a shot at Freese and saved at his near post.

Bright start!

1': We are underway in Seattle!

0': Welcome to the live blog of Australia's second FIFA World Cup match of 2026, taking on co-hosts USA in Seattle!

The anthems have wrapped up and the players on both ends of the pitch are warming up ahead of kick-off!

Remember to sync your commentary via SEN Sync to hear Simon Hill and Andy Harper call the game live and in sync with your TV!

Two changes for the Socceroos, with both goalscorers benched in favour of Matthew Leckie and Nishan Velupillay.

Christian Pulisic will miss for the USA with a calf injury, replaced by Ricardo Pepi.

Kick-off moments away!

TEAMS

Australia

GK: P.Beach
DEF: J.Italiano | A.Circati | H.Souttar | C.Burgess | J.Bos
MID: M.Leckie | A.O'Neill | P.Okon-Engstler | N.Velupillay
ATT: M.Toure

USA

GK: M.Freese
DEF: A.Robinson | T.Ream | C.Richards | A.Freeman
MID: R.Pepi | T.Adams | W.McKennie | M.Tillman | S.Dest
ATT: F.Balogun

Simon Hill and Andy Harper LIVE!

We are LIVE on SEN as Simon Hill and Andy Harper prepare to call all the action from the Socceroos' second FIFA World Cup match against the USA!

Listen LIVE via the website or download the SEN app NOW!

Andy Harper on starting XI

SEN's Andy Harper has given his take on the Socceroos' XI ahead of their clash with the USA.

“It’s not surprising in a lot of ways,” he said on SEN’s The Global Game.

“Firstly, we shouldn’t be surprised with whatever Popovic decides, because he caught us napping in the Turkiye preparation, and it completely proved right.

“I would have had Irankunda starting on the bench against Turkiye. I think it’s right to shield him now. He didn’t look like he’s got 90 minutes in him, so it’s how do you use him.

“They played the practice game against the US before ethe draw was out – it was a game we lost 2-1, and Nestory copped a bit of stick, and they know how to get under his skin.

“That’s a part of his game; he is very combustible. He is coming through that, most certainly, as he matures, but he can still react.

“I think that’s sage, to get Matthew Leckie back in. I would have started him against Turkiye, so that’s great to see.

“On Connor Metcalfe, he talked about how tired he was post-game, and there were moments at the end of the first half and at the end of the match that Connor, with all the work he was doing, it did look like it was taking some sort of toll.

“Maybe it’s just a freshening up exercise for him. I have to say, it’s a massive, massive call for Velupillay, because I wasn’t that impressed with Nish off the bench in the Turkiye match.

“He found it really hard – and it’s tough when you do come off the bench to get up to speed – he really struggled to get up to the flow of the game.

“Clearly, he didn’t do so badly that he didn’t get the nod today. We hope, fingers crossed, that Nishan is at his best, because he will need to be.”

Tony Popovic pre-game

“From the outset, we’ve been about action and doing our best on the pitch,” Popovic said.

“That’s where it matters. We’ll try and do that again today.”

Can you explain the selection changes?

“Short turnaround in terms of the emotion and everything that physically went into last game.

“We wanted some freshness on the field in those wide areas. We think Nish and Matthew can build a good foundation for us from the start of the game.

“They are all fit and well.”

Does Pulisic’s absence change things from a tactical perspective?

“Probably different attributes with the players that may come in.

“He is a unique talent with what he does between the lines with the ball. He’s a real creative player for them, but they have some good options to cover that.

“I’m sure that whoever plays will be well-equipped to do a job.”

A message for the fans back home:

“We’re very appreciative of the support.

“We know this one is an early start as opposed to last week in the afternoon on a Sunday.

“We feel their presence; we feel the love that they have for this team and this country.

“We want to do them proud, and we will give our maximum today to achieve that.”

Tony Popovic has once again shocked with his selection, dropping both goalscorers in Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe ahead of Australia's clash with the USA!

Popa has replaced the pair with veteran Matthew Leckie and Melbourne Victory's Nishan Velupillay.

The rest of the side remains, with keeper Patrick Beach and midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler holding their places in the starting squad.

As for the USA, star Christian Pulisic has been ruled OUT of the match, having injured his calf in their opening match against Paraguay.

A boost for Australia ahead of what has become one of the biggest grudge matches of this World Cup with news USA star Christian Pulisic is still not training fully with the team.

Less than 24 hours out from the second group game for both sides, the AC Milan winger was seen training away from his teammates with his calf heavily strapped.

Pulisic sustained the injury during a training session before the USA’s first group match against Paraguay which they won 4-1.

While he played in that match he was forced off at half-time and the status of his injury has been a closely guarded secret ever since.

“Fingers crossed he doesn’t make it,” SEN’s Simon Hill said of the star’s fitness.

“Australia can get through to the knockout if they beat the USA.”

After training on thursday (local time) US coach Mauricio Pochettino was coy on his plans for Pulisic.

“I think as you know he was training individually all week,” he said. “Like always, I think tonight or the day before the game we have a meeting with our medical area, we will assess the whole group, and tomorrow we will communicate if we agree on something tonight.

"He is evolving, he is much better from Friday, we’ll see.

“When this type of thing happens it’s always painful, but I think Christian is strong, with a great mentality and is doing a fantastic effort to try and be ready as soon as possible. … He is doing a massive effort to be ready.”

As most US teammates have, Weston McKennie avoided giving a straight answer when quizzed on Pulisic’s status.

"I'm more just the energy guy, you know, either way, just trying to get good spirits and hopefully (Pulisic) can be there tomorrow," McKennie said.

"I know he really wants to be and he's doing everything that he can and the staff is doing everything that they can as well."

TRASH TALKING USA

The Socceroos v USA clash has been the subject of significant trash talking in recent days with American pundit Mike Grella at the centre of it all.

“I’m not kidding though when I say this, what are they drinking over there because they have no shot of doing anything at the World Cup,” he said last week.

“They are the weakest team in the group. There’s no shot Australia can compete with the US.”

Despite Australia beating Turkiye 2-0 in their opening match, Grella has since doubled and tripled down on his criticism of Australia.

In his latest rant, Grella told Pat McAfee: “I was going to come on here and say some nice stuff about them, but now the fan base has gone a little too far.

“Really it’s been unbelievable. They wear a yellow shirt, I think that maybe they’re getting themselves confused with Brazil or another team that’s won something in the past.

“They’ve never won anything.

“On Friday I think they’re going to come into a team that has a little bit more quality and I think we’ll see a US win.”

Grella also called for Australia to build a statue of him given the motivation his criticism has given the Socceroos.

Whether Pulisic plays or not, the 5am Saturday (AEST) showdown is set to be a blockbuster.

Catch all the Socceroos action on SEN, Australia's official radio broadcaster of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.