USA vs. Australia prediction, lineups, odds and bet builder tips for World Cup Group D match

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USA can follow co-host Mexico’s lead and secure qualification to the 2026 World Cup knockout stage against Austria in Group D tonight.

They recorded a 4-1 win over Paraguay in their opener but saw Christian Pulisic withdrawn at half time after taking a kick to the calf. It is unclear whether the star man has trained with the team, and Mauricio Pochettino could opt for caution due to Australia’s perceived bully-ball style.

The Socceroos also won their first match, upsetting Turkey by a 2-0 score despite being dominated from a possessional standpoint. It was a well-worked win, as they locked their European opponents down completely and struck twice on the counter.

Here are our best bets and predictions for the USA against Australia in Seattle. The match comes just a few hours before Scotland’s next outing in Group C — you can get 50/1 for Scotland to score against Morocco as a new customer on Sky Bet.

USA vs. Australia prediction: Who will win?

Not only are the United States better than Australia on paper, but they match up extremely well with their next opponents too.

Australia’s biggest defensive strength is their physicality and aerial prowess. The former has historically not bothered the United States, whose forwards are happy to go toe-to-toe against defenders without being bullied. The latter won’t matter, as the United States do not play a high number of crosses, preferring to create chaos on the dribble or pass through their opponent in the final third.

Turkey struggled to break down Australia’s compact defensive structure, but they chose to play a slow, methodical possessional build-up rather than counter-press like the USA does. Australia will have a more chaotic match on their hands in this one, something that will cause them problems.

As long as Alex Freeman can effectively handle the pace of Nestory Irankunda on the wing, Australia will struggle to get out of their own half, and USA should run out comfortable winners.

Score Prediction: USA 2-1 Australia (14/1 with Bet365)

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USA vs. Australia best bets

We’ve picked out a few of the best bets for USA’s clash with Australia and explored key match facts:

Christian Pulisic to score or assist (Evens with Paddy Power)

Through the first half of the USMNT’s win over Paraguay, Christian Pulisic was by far the best player on the pitch as he carved their South American opponents to shreds repeatedly, both on the dribble and with his passing. He specifically targeted Paraguay’s right-back Juan Caceres, who had an awful time trying helplessly to defend the AC Milan star.

For this game, he would be up against Jacob Italiano, a 24-year-old defender who plays for Austrian top-flight side Grazer AK. Italiano had a strong opening game against Turkey, making three tackles while not committing a single foul, but he struggled more in the second half when Kenan Yildiz came on the pitch and slotted in on his flank.

Even money here is a gift, if Pulisic is fit to play.

Both teams to score (Evens with Spreadex)

The United States looked impressive in their opener against Paraguay, largely because they counter-pressed the Albirroja to death, winning the ball back immediately after they lost it while creating chaos in the process. Australia bunkered in against Turkey and defended exceptionally well in the half-court, but they will face a different game against the United States who will look to pen them in and prevent counter-attacks with the aggressive press.

Yet the United States will also face a different kind of matchup, one who can counter with exceptional pace unlike their opening-round opponent. The aggression of Nestory Irankunda, who possesses both technical ability and sheer, unbridled speed, will keep USA honest, while they will need to track off-ball runners through the middle if the Socceroos get out in transition.

Australia should be there for the taking for Mauricio Pochettino’s side to attack, but USA will also be prone to its characteristic individual errors at the back, especially while defending counters in heated moments. Expect this to be another goal-fest like the USMNT’s opener was.

The over 2.5 goal mark at even money is also a strong option.

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USA vs. Australia Lineups: Predicted Starting XIs

Here’s how we think the two teams will line up in Seattle tonight, with Pulisic expected to miss out from the start at least as he manages a calf injury.

USA predicted lineup to play Australia

Freese (GK) -Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson – Adams, Tillman – Dest, McKennie, Wright – Balogun

Mauricio Pochettino is likely to name close to an unchanged side after a brilliant performance and win over Paraguay, but with one possible change.
Christian Pulisic came off at half time and has not trained at all this week, leaving his status up in the air. He could be replaced by Haji Wright or Tim Weah on the wing if he fails to pass fit.
Folarin Balogun will be looking to become the second-ever USA player to score three goals at a single World Cup after Landon Donovan.

Australia predicted lineup to play USA

Beach (GK) – Circati, Souttar, Burgess – Italiano, O’Neill, Okon-Engstler, Bos – Metcalfe, Irankunda – Toure

Tony Popovic is also set to name an unchanged side after their stunning victory over Turkey.
Patrick Beach, who surprisingly replaced captain Mathew Ryan in goal, was the star of the show in the opener and will be looking to keep another clean sheet here.

USA vs. Australia odds: Who is the favourite?

The USA are favourites to beat Australia and make it two wins from two. You can find the latest odds at the time of writing below, or follow it live with The Sporting News.

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Bet Builder Tips Today: USA vs. Australia

Here is our favourite bet builder for the clash between USA and Australia today, which came to 13/2 with Bet365 at the time of writing. Just make sure Pulisic is in the lineup before placing your bet!