Two opening-round winners meet in Seattle on Friday as hosts USA look to build on their emphatic 4-1 victory over Paraguay.
USA vs AustraliaSee All Odds
Get yourself ready for the 2026 World Cup with dozens of great sign-up offers on Oddschecker's World Cup Free Bets page.
Two surprise winners collide in Seattle on Friday as USA and Australia put their perfect starts in Group D on the line. Mauricio Pochettino’s side were among the standout performers of the opening round, sweeping aside Paraguay 4-1 to record their joint-biggest World Cup victory and become the first USA team to score four goals in a tournament match.
Australia also exceeded expectations, stunning fancied Turkey 2-0 despite facing 30 shots and just 28% possession. With top spot in the group at stake, the hosts’ attacking firepower will be tested against a Socceroos side built on resilience, organisation and counter-attacking threat.
USA vs Australia Best Bet
Recommended Bet: USA to Win
Best Odds: 10/23 (AKbets)
Advised Stake: 2pts
Mauricio Pochettino's USA made one of the strongest opening statements of the tournament with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay, becoming the first American side to score four goals in a World Cup match and matching their biggest-ever World Cup winning margin.
The performance wasn't a smash-and-grab either. The USA controlled the contest throughout, with Folarin Balogun scoring twice and Tim Ream completing 23 line-breaking passes - the most by any defender at this World Cup. Pochettino's side have now won seven consecutive matches in Seattle and should be confident of building on that momentum in front of a largely home crowd.
Australia deserve huge credit for their 2-0 win over Turkey, but the underlying numbers suggest they may struggle to repeat that feat. The Socceroos had just 28% possession, faced 30 shots and required goalkeeper Patrick Beach to produce a remarkable eight-save performance on his competitive debut. Harry Souttar was forced into 14 clearances as Australia spent long periods pinned back.
Against a USA side full of attacking quality and confidence after their opening display, relying on another heroic defensive effort looks a dangerous strategy. If the Americans can create anything like the volume of chances Turkey managed, they should have enough firepower to make their superiority count and take a huge step towards winning Group D.
Hot Streak
Who is favourite to win USA vs Australia?
The USA are clear favourites to make it two wins from two in Group D, priced at 13/20 after an emphatic 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opener. Mauricio Pochettino's side were one of the standout performers of the first round of fixtures, with Folarin Balogun scoring twice and the Americans posting their joint-biggest World Cup win. Australia arrive full of confidence after a surprise 2-0 success over Turkey, but the Socceroos were heavily outplayed, facing 30 shots and relying on goalkeeper Patrick Beach's eight saves to preserve the clean sheet. With the USA having won their last two meetings with Australia, boasting an excellent record in Seattle and carrying significantly greater attacking threat, the hosts look worthy favourites. The draw is available at 18/5, while another Australian upset can be backed at 9/2.
USA vs Australia Bet Builder Tip
Our Bet Builder Tip for USA vs Australia:
- Florian Balogun Anytime Goalscmohamorer
- Mohamed Touré 2+ Fouls
- Aidan O'Neill to be Carded
Best price 22/1 with bet365.
Florian Balogun Anytime Goalscorer
Balogun was the standout performer in the USA's opening match and looks difficult to overlook after a clinical display in front of goal. He scored twice, registered five shots and looked capable of adding further goals throughout the game.
Five shots in the opener
Two goals in the opener
His brace means he has now scored five goals in his last six international appearances.
With confidence high and the attack seemingly built around him, Balogun looks well placed to add to his tally once again.
Mohamed Touré 2+ Fouls
The striker position is always going to be a frustrating one in a side that averages so little possession. Australia had just 28% posession against Turkey and Mohamed Toure spent more time chasing the ball than attacking.
He managed two fouls against Turkey and has fouled in six of his last seven.
If you back this bet with a firm that offers super sub then you could find Yengi coming on for him at some point. Yengi picked up three fouls in 16 minutes when he came on against Tukrey and picked up a yellow and 2 fouls in a warm up against Switzerland.
Aidan O'Neill to be Carded
USA's midfield picked up 7 fouls between them against Paraguay and most of their play comes through the middle. Australia will look to stop them at the source and so we could see some fouls there.
O'Neill looks like the best candidate to get a yellow. He has two in his last seven fro Australia and has two in 11 games for New York City in 2026. In 2025 he picked up 7 yellows in 24 games.
