USA v Australia LIVE: Christian Pulisic injury update ahead of crunch World Cup 2026 clash – UK Times

“I fully expect this crowd to be extremely loud. And, they’re going to energise our group,” said USA midfielder Cristian Roldan, having played for the Seattle Sounders since 2015.

“This is one of the loudest stadiums in the world when you think about Seahawks games or Sounders games.

Just seeing the Belgium game against Egypt and how the atmosphere was there, I fully expect the city of Seattle to come out and show out, and I think the guys are going to feel that type of energy.”

When Nestory Irankunda made a beeline for the corner flag after putting Australia in front against Turkey last Saturday, everyone knew who he was paying tribute to. Twenty years on, Australia are still trying to replicate the magic of Tim Cahill guiding them towards the last-16 in Germany.

The sight of Cahill bobbing and weaving around the flag after the Socceroos’ first World Cup goal against Japan in 2006 remains a defining image in their history, so Irankunda thought it right to pay tribute to his “biggest inspiration” after the moment of his nascent career to date.

“I look up to him and I want to be like him one day,” the Watford winger said afterwards, instantly winning the hearts of many casual fans back home. But if they appear overly committed towards nods to the past, this was equally a breakout party for a team that are determined to far exceed low external expectations at World Cup 2026 – and simultaneously become central to a depressingly familiar political discourse.

It was an excellent execution of the plan from Australia against Turkey, but manager Tony Popovic has warned his side that they will have to be better today.

“We know it will be a different type of challenge,” he said. “Playing the host nation here ‌as well is a wonderful challenge, but ‌also a wonderful opportunity for us.

“We know that we will need to be better than we were against Turkey to get the result we want. 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’s selection will be interesting today. Patrick Beach was a surprise starter in goal against Turkey, but looks set to keep his place after making a number of fine saves to help the Socceroos to victory.

Mauricio Pochettino has issued a strong word of warning to his side ahead of a key clash for the USMNT.

A World Cup, naturally, brings a focus on the sport’s starts – but it could be the 11th name on each teamsheet that is crucial to determining which nation wins it. Richard Jolly on the weak link theory that may be decisive:

It may be that these two have already done enough to progress – Jamie Braidwood explains the permutations that may mean one win is sufficient to reach the round of 32.

Aside from a nasty injury in the Canada game last night, it’s been an excellent start for the three nations co-hosting this World Cup. Mexico booked their spot in the knockout rounds with a strong win against South Korea yesterday while Canada are close to joining them after a 6-0 thrashing of Qatar. Can the USA extend the trio’s unbeaten run to six games?

13 June: USA 4-1 Paraguay – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles

14 June: Australia 2-0 Turkey – BC Place, Vancouver

19 June: USA vs Australia – Lumen Field, Seattle

20 June: Turkey vs Paraguay – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara

26 June: Turkey vs USA – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles

26 June: Paraguay vs Australia – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara