Australia face USA with Pulisic a doubt

USA await in the Rose Bowl

Your team faces the hosts today. USA vs Australia at the Rose Bowl, a Group D match that could decide the group (1) (3). Kickoff is Friday evening local time.

The Socceroos opened with that 2–0 win over Turkey, a result that still sounds unreal given Turkey had 78% of the ball and 30 shots. Now Popovic's young side walks into Pasadena against a US team under real pressure.

Pulisic a doubt, Pochettino playing it coy

Christian Pulisic is not fully fit. The US captain missed the opener and remains uncertain for today's match (6) (7). Pochettino would not confirm either way.

"We have not yet decided if Pulisic starts or comes off the bench," the US manager said. "We'll make a late call" (6).

If Pulisic sits again, Australia's path through the group opens wider.

Pochettino jokes about spies at training

The US manager had a lighter moment before the match. A video caught him peering around the training ground, and he leaned into it at the press conference.

"I wanted to see, because you know, we're in an era of, how you say: spy," Pochettino said (5).

Bos clocked as the World Cup's fastest

Jordan Bos is the quickest player at this tournament. BBC confirmed it: the Australian left-back has recorded the top speed of any player at the 2026 World Cup so far (2). Another weapon in a squad that already looks dangerous on the counter.

Fan reaktioner

Aussie fans are riding high after the Turkey result, with many pointing out the parallels to 2006, a young squad, low expectations, then chaos. The Pulisic uncertainty has only added to the pre-match buzz. Full discussion thread here.