Australia plays its second match of the 2026 World Cup tomorrow morning against the U.S.
It’s expected to be the Socceroos’ toughest group-stage fixture.
It’s also the earliest start for Australian viewers, kicking off at 5am (AEST).
The match is being played in Seattle, Washington.
You can watch it live on SBS or SBS on Demand.
Australia
Australia is ranked 23rd in the world and opened its World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over 26th-ranked Türkiye.
Coach Tony Popovic fielded one of Australia’s youngest World Cup line-ups and made several surprise selection calls.
The boldest was in goal, where Patrick Beach was handed a debut ahead of long-serving Mat Ryan.
Beach repaid the faith with several key saves as Australia kept Türkiye scoreless.
The U.S.
Tournament co-host the U.S. is Group D’s top-ranked side at 15th in the world, and opened its tournament with a 4-1 victory over 42nd-ranked Paraguay.
The U.S. is coached by former Argentina international Mauricio Pochettino.
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Star player Christian Pulisic went off at half-time of the opener after aggravating a calf injury. It’s not clear whether the forward will be fit to play tomorrow.
Head to head
The two sides have met four times, all in friendlies.
The U.S. has won twice and Australia once, with one draw.
Their most recent meeting came in October when the U.S. came from behind to win 2-1.
Saturday’s game will be the first time they meet at a World Cup.
Commentary
Australia arrived for the World Cup to dismissals from the American media.
U.S. pundit Mike Grella called the Socceroos a “lay-up” for the hosts, while former U.S. captain Landon Donovan labelled Popovic “smug”.
The U.S. players have been more measured, with Tyler Adams predicting Australia will be one of the toughest games his side will play.
Australia’s Beach has said the Socceroos are happy with their underdog status.
