World Cup 2026: USA vs Australia Tips, Prediction & Odds

* Prices from Betway, accurate when this was written.

The United States welcome Australia to Lumen Field in Seattle on Friday, kicking off at 21:00 CAT. Both sides won their first games to pick up three points, so this clash at the top of Group D will decide who takes charge of the group. You can find every World Cup betting tips we have in our dedicated section.

USA

Mauricio Pochettino could not have hoped for a better start than the four goals his team scored against Paraguay, with Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun excellent up front. I think the home crowd in Seattle will drive the United States on again, and Pulisic's speed on the flank is just the kind of threat that bothers a deep Australian defence. Pochettino has the whole squad fit and will probably keep the same starting team that did the job in the first game. As I see it, the United States have too much quality and energy for the Socceroos.

Expected Lineup: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson; Tillman, Adams; Dest, McKennie, Pulisic; Balogun.

Australia

Australia were superb in beating Turkey without conceding, with Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scoring and Harry Souttar commanding in defence. Tony Popovic sets his side up to stay tight and hit on the break, so I am expecting a deep block and lots of bodies behind the ball at Lumen Field. Having Souttar back from a long Achilles injury has been a big lift, and the Socceroos have no new fitness worries. In my view Australia can frustrate for long periods, but making enough chances at the other end will be much harder.

Expected Lineup: Beach; Italiano, Circati, Souttar, Burgess Bos; Metcalfe, Okon-Engstler, O'Neill, Irankunda; Toure.

Australia will defend deep and make things tricky for the USA, but I just think this United States team has too much firepower to be kept quiet on home soil. I think the hosts will wear down the Australian defence and break through after half time. My forecast: USA 2 Australia 0.

BTTS: No (1.75)

Under Popovic, Australia have built everything around a solid defensive shape and kept a clean sheet against Turkey, so they will arrive in Seattle set on keeping the score down. Even though they scored twice, the Socceroos made very little in attack in that first game, and against a United States back line that let in only one goal against Paraguay I think they will find it hard to score here. In my view, backing both teams to score no at 1.75 is the sensible bet.