The U.S. Men’s National Team returns home to host a compelling international friendly against Australia at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The USMNT vs Australia matchup, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, serves as a crucial test for Mauricio Pochettino’s evolving squad, as the U.S. is one of the host nations.
Australia arrives off the back of a 1–0 win over Canada, carrying confidence and momentum into this clash. Although the two teams have seldom crossed paths historically, this fixture promises to be a tactical chess match.
The U.S. will want to sharpen attacking patterns while guarding against Australia’s disciplined defense and counterattack threat. For U.S. fans, the match offers a glimpse into which players could cement roles for the 2026 World Cup.
Australia and the USMNT have already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Australia secured its spot through the AFC qualification, while the United States Men’s Soccer Team qualified as one of the host nations.
USMNT vs Australia Match Info, Preview, Predictions & Live Stream
- Teams – USMNT vs Australia
- Date – Tuesday, Oct. 14 | 9 pm ET/6 pm PT
- Stadiums – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colorado
Head-to-Head (H2H) – Historical Results
The sides have met only a handful of times historically (three meetings on official record before this fixture), with the U.S. holding the most recent win in 2010. That limited history means this match is more about the present squads and systems than a long rivalry.
USMNT vs Australia Current Form & Team News
- United States (overview): The USMNT drew 1–1 with Ecuador in their previous friendly at Q2 Stadium, with Folarin Balogun continuing his strong run of form for the national team. Mauricio Pochettino is expected to rotate his squad across the October window as he evaluates options ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Australia (overview): Australia enters the game on a strong run of form under Tony Popovic, highlighted by a recent 1–0 victory over Canada that extended their unbeaten streak. Popovic has implemented a compact defensive style with quick transitions, providing a solid challenge for the USMNT. The Socceroos’ squad for this window is predominantly Europe-based and is expected to include several attacking threats capable of capitalizing on turnovers.
- USMNT form (all competitions): W W L L W D
- Australia form (all competitions): W W W W W
Injury/selection notes
- USMNT vs Australia, both coaches are expected to experiment. Australia named a 25-player squad centered on overseas-based players; the U.S. may mix starters with players pushing for World Cup inclusion. Monitor both pre-match reports for late changes.
Predicted Starting XIs (probable — subject to manager rotation)
United States (likely 4–3–3 / rotated):
Freese; Robinson, Richards, Ream; Weah, Roldan, Morris, Arftsen; McKennie, Tillman; Balogun. (Probable mix of Europe-based starters and domestic players.)
Australia (likely 4–3–2–1 / flexible):
Ryan; Italiano, Circati, Degenek, Burgess; Rowles, Metcalfe, O’Neill; Nestory Irankunda, Balard; Toure. (Popovic may choose a defensively disciplined setup that hits on the counter.)
Where to Watch USMNT vs Australia (TV / Streaming)
TNT / truTV / HBO Max / Peacock carry the match in the U.S.; Spanish coverage on Universo. Check local listings and provider apps for geo-restrictions.
Radio coverage and live updates are often available via Westwood One Sports and US Soccer’s platforms.
USMNT vs Australia Prediction & Analysis
This friendly is likely to be competitive but controlled. The U.S. will want to test attacking combinations and defensive balance while maintaining fitness; Australia arrives with momentum and an organized system that looks to frustrate and counterattack.
Home advantage and squad depth give the United States a small edge on paper. Still, the Socceroos’ recent form under Popovic means an upset is plausible if the U.S. experiments with too many unfamiliar combinations.
- United States 2–1 Australia – Expect both teams to create chances, with the U.S. having the upper hand late thanks to squad depth and set-piece threat.