2026 World Cup: USA, Australia eye knockout rounds, Brazil in action

The United States and Australia are poised to advance to the World Cup knockout stages on Friday, with both nations aiming for victory in their respective matches. The USA, following a commanding 4-1 win over Paraguay, enters their game against Australia with high confidence. Coach Mauricio Pochettino's team is buoyed by their strong start, with the nation rallying behind them.

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We know that we want to earn our respect. We know that by our performances we can put Australian football on the world map, and that’s what we aim to do.

Australia also approaches the crucial Group D clash in Seattle with momentum, having secured a surprising 2-0 victory over Turkey. The Socceroos are eager to prove themselves on the world stage, with coach Tony Popovic stating his team will let their performance speak for itself. "We know that we want to earn our respect," Popovic said. "We know that by our performances we can put Australian football on the world map, and that’s what we aim to do."

Meanwhile, five-time champions Brazil face pressure to improve after a 1-1 draw with Morocco. Defender Gabriel Magalhaes acknowledged the team's need to perform better, stating, "We know what we have to do. We know that we didn’t have a good first match, but what we can expect from us is that we’ll be really committed tomorrow and we’re going to do our best to win." Coach Carlo Ancelotti indicated lineup changes and emphasized resilience over perfection.

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We know what we have to do. We know that we didn’t have a good first match, but what we can expect from us is that we’ll be really committed tomorrow and we’re going to do our best to win.

In another Group D match, Scotland is looking to build on their opening 1-0 win against Haiti. Captain Andy Robertson urged his team to secure a result against Morocco to propel them into the knockout rounds for the first time in their World Cup history. "I don’t think any of the la

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Getting off to a good start is important in a World Cup, but the most important thing is that the team, rather than being perfect, has to be resilient.