The Socceroos have conceded an early goal to a fired-up United States in their crucial World Cup group stage game in Seattle.
Australia swung two major changes for the game, with Nestory Irankunda set to start the game on the bench.
Check out the full World Cup schedule here in Australian timesABC Sport podcast: Popovic, Pulisic and Pochettino — your Socceroos/USA primer
Follow all the action in our live blog.
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 4:57am
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 4:57am
Live updates: Socceroos vs USASat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:29am
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:29amSat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:29am
Rushed and nervy, Australia needs a spark
The decision to play Nishan Velupillay and Matthew Leckie was pragmatic. Set a deep block and let the USA attack.
It did not pay off in that opening stanza.
The Socceroos couldn’t hold possession, and found themselves under immense pressure in their defensive half.
That, and some questionable decision making made life hard.
Hopefully Tony Popovic has pulled the hydration special he has so many times before.
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:29am
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:29am
28′ Back underway, USA on the attack
Tillman races off down the left side of the pitch and delivers a deep cross.
For some reason the Socceroos try to keep that in – but it’s already out of play.
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:26am
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:26am
24′ Ad break time
Time for the Socceroos to reassess and reset at the drinks break.
Tony Popovic has his work cut out in this three minute spell – we’ve seen momentum change after these breaks a few times this tournament and now is the time that the Socceroos need to get to grips with this game.
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:25am
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:25am
24′ Another corner Socceroos
Harry Souttar is being manhandled in the penalty area – no mean feat to be honest.
He still gets away from his man but his off-balance header is weak and fended behind for another corner.
This delivery from the left is not so good – and the referee spots a foul in the box.
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:24am
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:24am
23′ Great chance Socceroos
Mat Leckie with a really good low cross after a spell of possession.
He aims it towards Toure who is blocked just as he tries to get the shot away, sliding in at the near post.
Good chance, and a corner.
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:23am
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:23am
21′ DOUBLE CHANCE USA!
Folarin Balogun latches onto a long ball but then a heavy touch costs him as Beach gathers.
Then the Socceroos give the ball away playing out the back again!
Balogun this time is blocked and the ball is hammered up field.
This is rubbish from the Socceroos – they look nervous and need to get the ball out of their area.
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:21am
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:21am
20′ Great chance USA
Sergiño Dest with a magical flick down the right side and that gives the US a chance to get the ball into the box.
Nishan Velupillay wins it back but then gives it away again and it’s only Mo Toure tracking back who gets himself in the passing lane right on the edge of the area to interrupt the US rhythm.
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:19am
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:19am
18′ USA challenging the Socceroos passing out from the back
That was too risky from the Socceroos, the USA team pushing their way into the passing lanes and creating a chance out of Socceroos errors.
Not sure about all this passing out from the back – this feels like a game where getting it launched would be best.
That being said, the USA are so comfortable in possession up the field and Mo Toure is a lonely man chasing his markers.
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:18am
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:18am
17′ Yellow card to Bos
Jordan Bos puts his hand in the face of Sergiño Dest and gets booked for it.
Silly foul, need to keep your hands down there.
The free kick is swept in but headed over the bar by the USA.
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:17am
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:17am
16′ US furious over a Velupillay challenge
It happened right in front of the USA bench and, after the physicality of the last time these two teams met, the US coaching staff make sure the referee is aware that they are not happy.
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:16am
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:16am
15′ US chance from a corner
My word, with the height in the Socceroos defence they simply cannot allow free headers to go past them, but that’s exactly what just happened with Weston McKennie leaping high and powering a header towards goal.
It’s blocked and then there’s a hand ball spotted by the referee to release the pressure.
Socceroos under the pump here.
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:13am
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:13am
13′ Chance Socceroos!
Long range effort from Mat Leckie there, it was seriously flying that ball, but it’s flying just off target.
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:11am
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:11am
11′ Goal USA!
(Getty Images)
Folarin Balogun makes a superb run from the left side – the USA is threatening down both flanks now.
He gets to the byline and powers a shot in towards the six yard box, where Burges puts into his own net.
Brilliant start of the USA, as the crowd almost blows the speakers out of my computer with a roar that echoes all the way from the American Pacific West.
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:11am
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:11am
9′ Good chance USA
The USA make more moves down the right side and the ball is hammered into the defence.
No way past the twin towers of Aberdeen there.
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:08am
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:08am
8′ Foul by Leckie
Tyler Adams is smashed by Mat Leckie and the crowd is furious.
It’s definitely a free kick but nothing more – a sore one as Adams is smashed on the shin.
Adams is remonstrating with the referee, Germay’s Felix Zwayer, now he’s got up after writhing on the floor.
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:07am
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:07am
7′ Half chance Socceroos
Mo Toure gets the ball played towards him after the US team howl for a free kick in midfield.
He is sandwiched off the ball by Richards though.
It’s more open that I expected at this early stage.
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:07am
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:07am
6′ Chance USA
The USA move the ball down the left, Tyler Adams with a cross and then Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi both have a chance to do something in the box but can’t get a shot away.
The referee spots a foul there – I have to admit I didn’t see it.
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:04am
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:04am
4′ US crowd gets up after Socceroos awarded a goal kick
The US think they should have a corner after Anthony Robinson gets to the byline.
Mathew Leckie does well though and there is a double touch.
Not that the crowd like that – it’s a visceral boo that cascades down from the stands.
This crowd is going to have an impact – the Socceroos will need to keep them quiet.
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:03am
Sat 20 Jun 2026 at 5:03am
Morning all
Good morning Simon and Tom, Looking forward to a good game free of armadillos. Hoping Big Harry has another blinder today.
– Mike
Morning Simon. Hell of a game coming up I hope. This game is a big deal in USA . I have American friends who are not soccer aficionados but are taking time off work to watch. As far as Popovic’s starting choices go , I think after his great decision on Beach last game he should have free rein.
– Phillip
Conflicted… born and raised in Seattle, but am also Australian via my mum. I just hope both teams have fun? 💚💛
– Austin
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