'Host nation power' US secures 32-team spot, following Mexico, by beating Australia 2-0

The United States has secured its place in the 32-team knockout stage of the 2026 North-Central America World Cup, becoming the second host nation to qualify after Mexico. The USWNT clinched their spot by defeating Australia 2-0 in their second group stage match.

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The US has secured its place in the 32-team knockout stage.

The victory, achieved on Friday (Korean time) at the Seattle Stadium, propelled the United States to the top of Group D with a perfect six points from two matches. This follows their dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay in the opening game.

The USWNT took an early lead in the 11th minute due to an own goal by Australia's Cameron Burgess, who inadvertently deflected a cross from US forward Florian Balogun into his own net. The Americans extended their lead just before halftime when Alex Freeman scored a header in the 43rd minute. Although initially ruled offside, a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review confirmed the goal.

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The US took the lead in the 11th minute.

Australia, trailing by two goals at halftime, made three substitutions at the start of the second half in an attempt to change the game's momentum. However, they were unable to breach the US defense. The US will play their final group match against Turkey on the 26th, while Australia, with one win and one loss, will face Paraguay in their concluding group game.

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Alex Freeman scored a header in the 43rd minute.