On Friday, the United States have the chance to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage - a victory against Australia in Seattle would practically put the team into the Round of 32 with a group game remaining.

The USMNT know the Socceroos well. In October they came from behind to beat them 2-1 at MetLife stadium - but that was in a friendly. There will be far more at stake when the two teams step out into Lumen Field this weekend.

Confidence in the US camp is high after the 4-1 debut win over Paraguay. The only real concern for head coach Mauricio Pochettino is whether Christian Pulisic will be able to play any part in the game.

Pulisic was taken off at halftime during the Paraguay game with a suspected leg injury. Sebastian Berhalter took his place on the left wing for the second half.

Since then, the AC Milan forward has been limited in training - working apart from the group either in the gym or solo out on the practice pitch.

Will Pochettino risk Pulisic against Australia?

Pulisic was dealing with minor fitness issues at the end of last season - discomfort to his lower back along with a thigh strain. Earlier in the campaign he missed four games with a hamstring issue.

With that in mind, and considering he has yet to return to full training ans won’t have been fully involved in the prep work for the Australia game, it’s unlikely that Pochetttino will start his captain on Friday.

If the coach continues with the same 4-2-3-1 system he used against Paraguay, there are several options to fill the left wing slot. Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman and Ricardo Pepi have all been tried out when Pulisic has been unavailable or subbed. Another option is Álex Zendejas although he has seen limited action with the team - a 15-minute cameo in the friendly against Uruguay in May.

If Pochettino opts for a more cautious approach and fields a midfield-heavy XI, he could bring Berhalter in to line up alongside Adams, Tillman and McKennie.

USMNT projected starting lineup

Matt Freese; Antonee Robinson, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Alex Freeman; Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman Sebastian Berhalter; Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna; Folarin Balogun.

The USMNT face Australia at Lumen Field in Seattle on Friday June, 19 with kick-off scheduled for 12 noon EDT.

The game will be aired with English commentary by FOX and by Telemundo and Peacock for Spanish viewers.

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