What Does the United States Need to Qualify for the Round of 32?
The USMNT faces Australia with the chance to secure early qualification in Group D. A victory could even give them first place.
The United States is close to qualifying
The United States national team faces its second match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with its sights set on qualifying for the round of 32. After the initial 4-1 thrashing of Paraguay, Mauricio Pochettino's team arrives with confidence and a favorable outlook in Group D, if the United States beats Australia.
If they beat Australia
A win would take the USMNT to 6 points, automatically securing a place among the top two in the group and, therefore, qualification with a match to spare. In addition, they could secure first place in the group if Turkey fails to beat Paraguay in the other match of the day.
If they draw with Australia
A draw would leave the Americans with 4 points. Thanks to the new 48-team format, eight of the twelve third-placed teams also advance, so that number almost guarantees a spot, even if they finish third. The only risky scenario would be for the four teams to finish with 4 points, which would require a decision based on goal difference. In that respect, the United States starts with an advantage. Its current +3 keeps it in a safe zone, unless it suffers a heavy defeat against Turkey combined with a thrashing by Paraguay over Australia
If they lose to Australia
A loss would mean the immediate qualification of the Australians and would leave the United States with 3 points, forced to risk everything in the final match against Turkey on June 25 in Los Angeles. That match would become decisive in determining whether the USMNT can advance in its own World Cup.
