- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,171,141
- Reaction score
- 59
USA soccer returns to the pitch on Friday, June 19, for a showdown against Australia as the Group Stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup rolls on. Kickoff in Seattle is set for 3:00 p.m. ET on FOX and Telemundo.
Before kickoff, the USMNT received some brutal news when star forward Christian Pulisic was ruled out with a nagging calf injury that forced him out of the team’s opening game of the tournament.
The injury to Pulisic forced the United States to shuffle its starting XI and tactics for Friday’s game.
MORE: How to watch USA vs Australia for free: Live stream 2026 World Cup, TV channel
With Pulisic out, Ricardo Pepi will slide into the starting lineup.
May 31, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; United States of America forward Ricardo Pepi (9) on the field in the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
If the United States can secure a win against Australia and the Friday nightcap between Paraguay and Turkey ends in a draw or a Paraguay win, the USMNT will advance to the Knockout Rounds as the winner of Group D.
Who will be taking the pitch for The Stars and Stripes on Friday afternoon?
Here is a look at how the Christian Pulisic news has changed the Starting XI and tactics for the USMNT against Australia.
MORE: 2026 FIFA World Cup TV schedule, full list of games
May 26, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Tim Ream poses for photos during the United States men’s national team roster reveal for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at The Rooftop at Pier 17. Mandatory Credit: Pamela Smith-Imagn Images
(24) Matt Freese
(2) Sergino Dest
(3) Chris Richards
(4) Tyler Adams
(5) Antonee Robinson
(8) Weston McKennie
(9) Ricardo Pepi
(13) Tim Ream (c)
(16) Alex Freeman
(17) Malik Tillman
(20) Folarin Balogun
Subs: Aaronson, Arfsten, Berhalter, Brady, McKenzie, Reyna, M. Robinson, Roldan, Scally, Trusty, Turner, Weah, Wright, Zendejas
The Group Stage of the World Cup will run through Saturday, June 27, before the Knockout Stages begin the following day on Sunday, June 28, with the Round of 32. A champion will be crowned at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 19.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
Before kickoff, the USMNT received some brutal news when star forward Christian Pulisic was ruled out with a nagging calf injury that forced him out of the team’s opening game of the tournament.
The injury to Pulisic forced the United States to shuffle its starting XI and tactics for Friday’s game.
MORE: How to watch USA vs Australia for free: Live stream 2026 World Cup, TV channel
With Pulisic out, Ricardo Pepi will slide into the starting lineup.
You must be registered for see images attach
May 31, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; United States of America forward Ricardo Pepi (9) on the field in the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
If the United States can secure a win against Australia and the Friday nightcap between Paraguay and Turkey ends in a draw or a Paraguay win, the USMNT will advance to the Knockout Rounds as the winner of Group D.
Who will be taking the pitch for The Stars and Stripes on Friday afternoon?
Here is a look at how the Christian Pulisic news has changed the Starting XI and tactics for the USMNT against Australia.
MORE: 2026 FIFA World Cup TV schedule, full list of games
USMNT Lineup & Starting XI vs Australia
You must be registered for see images attach
May 26, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Tim Ream poses for photos during the United States men’s national team roster reveal for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at The Rooftop at Pier 17. Mandatory Credit: Pamela Smith-Imagn Images
(24) Matt Freese
(2) Sergino Dest
(3) Chris Richards
(4) Tyler Adams
(5) Antonee Robinson
(8) Weston McKennie
(9) Ricardo Pepi
(13) Tim Ream (c)
(16) Alex Freeman
(17) Malik Tillman
(20) Folarin Balogun
Subs: Aaronson, Arfsten, Berhalter, Brady, McKenzie, Reyna, M. Robinson, Roldan, Scally, Trusty, Turner, Weah, Wright, Zendejas
The Group Stage of the World Cup will run through Saturday, June 27, before the Knockout Stages begin the following day on Sunday, June 28, with the Round of 32. A champion will be crowned at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 19.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
