US books early ticket to the top 32

Seattle: The United States has clinched an early berth in the top 32 teams for the 2026 World Cup, securing a decisive 2-0 victory over Australia in their Group D encounter at Seattle Stadium. As co-hosts of the tournament, the US team wasted no time in asserting their dominance.

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The United States (US) confirmed their early passage to the top 32 round of the 2026 World Cup after defeating Australia 2-0 in a Group D match at Seattle Stadium early this morning.

Their breakthrough came in the 11th minute when Cameron Burgess of Australia inadvertently scored an own goal. The play originated from a swift attack by Folarin Balogun, who penetrated Australia's defense. His subsequent cross was deflected by Burgess into his own net, giving the US the lead.

Just before halftime, the US doubled their advantage. Alex Freeman scored with a close-range header. Although the goal was initially disallowed for offside, a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review overturned the decision, confirming the goal and igniting the crowd at Seattle Stadium.

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The goal came from a swift move by Folarin Balogun who managed to break through Australia's defense before his cross was deflected by Burgess and went into his own net.

This win propelled the team managed by Mauricio Pochettino to six points from their opening two matches, guaranteeing their progression to the knockout rounds. The US will conclude their Group D campaign against Turkey in Los Angeles on Friday. Australia, remaining with three points, still has a chance to advance to the round of 32 when they face Paraguay in San Francisco.

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Freeman's goal was initially disallowed for offside, but the decision was changed after a VAR review confirmed the goal, thus heating up the atmosphere at Seattle Stadium.