United States vs Australiaprediction, odds, kickoff time & how to watch: 2026 World Cup

United States vs Australia is a clash of styles: North & Central America against Asia. Our model makes United States a heavy favourite (58%), with Australia given just 18% and a 24% draw on the cards.

Tactically, United States will want to lean on pace out wide to get at Australia, whose ball progression is the obvious pressure point. Going the other way, Australia's aerial threat could punish United States if tournament temperament goes unaddressed. Expect both coaches, Mauricio Pochettino and Tony Popovic, to set up around exactly that battle.

Keep an eye on Christian Pulisic (LW, AC Milan) and Riley McGree (AM, Middlesbrough): the two most likely to decide it with a moment of quality. On Matchday 2, a result here can all but settle Group D, or blow it wide open.

United States analysis → Australia analysis →