Small Town, Texas-Made: USA Punches World Cup Knockout Ticket

SEATTLE — Two wins, six points, and a ticket to the knockout round — with a Texas accent. The U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Australia 2-0 at Lumen Field on Friday, June 19, and four players from the FC Dallas development pipeline helped seal the victory.

Australia’s Cameron Burgess knocked a Folarin Balogun cross into his own net in the 11th minute, with FC Dallas product Ricardo Pepi (El Paso) applying pressure in the box. Alex Freeman headed home the second in the 43rd minute — becoming the first USMNT defender to score at a World Cup since John Brooks in 2014. The Americans controlled the first half with 70 percent possession and 259 accurate passes to Australia’s 78.

The starting XI: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, A. Robinson; Adams, Tillman, McKennie; Dest; Pepi, Balogun. Pulisic was out with a calf injury. The USMNT opened group play with a 4-1 win over Paraguay on June 12.

Nearby talent

Little Elm’s Weston McKennie (No. 8, Juventus), who grew up 15 minutes from Howe and trained at the FC Dallas academy from 2009 to 2016, started in midfield and played through the 96th minute. Pepi (No. 9), Chris Richards (No. 3), and Alex Zendejas (No. 26, El Paso) complete the FC Dallas quartet on the 26-man roster.

Downtown Howe establishments were packed for the afternoon kickoff. AT&T Stadium hosts Argentina vs. Austria on Monday, June 22.

> "USA is headed to the Round of 32 at the World Cup. USMNT 2-0 Australia. First time Stars and Stripes 2-0 at World Cup since 1930." — @garlandgillen on X

> "World Cup 2026: USA defeat Australia 2-0 to advance to knockout stage despite Pulisic absence." — @SoccerInsider on X