The country is stopping today at 3:00 p.m. ET to watch the USMNT face Australia at Lumen Field. Tune in on FOX to see if Mauricio Pochettino’s team can put up another incredible performance as they face the only other team with a win in Group G.
USA vs Australia odds price the United States at -170 on the moneyline and Australia at +420. The over/under is 2.5 (-100o/ -128u), and the USMNT is +146 to cover the spread (-1.5), while Australia is -210 to cover +1.5.
Continue below to find my USA vs Australia prediction and World Cup best bet for tonight's match.
USA vs Australia Prediction, Best Bet
- USA vs Australia Pick: USA Moneyline
- Bonus pick: Folarin Balogun to Score
USMNT Odds vs Australia
| Australia Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -210 | 2.5 -100o / -128u | +420 |
| United States Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +146 | 2.5 -100o / -128u | -170 |
USA vs Australia Preview
Heading into the World Cup, the expectation was always for the USMNT to escape the group, but after their performance in a 4-1 win over Paraguay, there are now questions about just how far this group can go.
This game isn’t a must-win by any means, but with Australia beating Turkey in their opening game, a win here would seal a spot in the next round and give Pochettino’s team a very high chance of winning the group, which would open up an easier path in the next round.
There are question marks around Christian Pulisic’s health, but it's hard to imagine he'll miss this contest. Pochettino set up the team with a 4-2-3-1 in that win over Paraguay, and we’re likely to see that same formation deployed here, regardless of Pulisic’s availability.
USA's Projected Starting Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Matt Freese
- Defenders: Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, Alex Freeman
- Wingbacks: Sergino Dest, Antonee Robinson
- Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman
- Forwards: Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic
USMNT Pick: USA Moneyline Prediction
There are two key things to know heading into this game. First, Australia might have won 2-0 against Turkey, but they were fortunate at times. Turkey dictated the tempo of the game, with 63% of possession and a staggering 28 shots to Australia’s eight. The issue was quality, with just seven hitting the target, still more than Australia’s four. At the time of writing, Turkey are tied for the highest xG (Expected Goals) of any team during the first round of games. This tells us that Turkey would win that game the majority of the time, and the USMNT shouldn’t be afraid of Australia. However, it also tells us to beware of their ability on the counter. Fortunately, the US has real speed at fullback, which will help those quick defensive transitions, but it's vital to protect Tim Ream, who could be a weak link if America pushes forward too aggressively.
We also need to focus on just how good the USMNT was in that opener. It was one of the best performances of the tournament's opening week and a statement that this team can cause anyone issues.
What gives me added confidence is what we saw from the bench, with the guys coming on really showing that this team has depth. So, if Plan A isn’t working, Pochettino can make changes and alter the game. Giovanni Reyna, in particular, has a maverick flair that could be decisive if the team needs a late spark.
Then there’s Folarin Balogun, who truly announced himself as a household name in the USA. This is a player who was highly rated at Arsenal as a youngster and who averaged just shy of a goal every other game for Monaco this season. His goals showed his speed, his guile and, crucially, his confidence. He is everything that Turkey lacked up front, and if the USMNT can create the chances that Turkey did against Australia, then the 24-year-old can get on the scoresheet once again.
How to Watch USA vs Australia
| Location: | Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. |
| Date: | Friday, June 19 |
| Time: | 3 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming Options: | FOX |
