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 was Christian Pulisic, who is struggling with a calf injury. Pulisic was taken off at halftime during the Paraguay game and will not be fit to play against Australia, Pochettino had confirmed.

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.

Why isn’t Pulisic playing for USMNT?

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 and won’t have been fully involved in the prep work for the Australia game. As a result, Pochettino has opted to bring in Ricardo Pepi, who impressed in his 45-minute outing against Senegal in the warm-up friendly.

USMNT confirmed starting lineup

Matt Freese; Antonee Robinson, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Alex Freeman; Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman Sebastian Berhalter; Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi; 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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