USA and Australia both impressed with opening Group D wins and they put their 100 per cent records on the line on Friday.
There was huge expectation on co-hosts USA in their World Cup opener against Paraguay and instead of shying away from the challenge, the Stars and Stripes exploded onto the international scene.
The USMNT were full of verve and attacking intent when taking the game to Paraguay and the 4-1 victory has Mauricio Pochettino’s men set fair for the remainder of the tournament.
The Stars and Stripes meet Australia in Seattle and we’ve analysed the stats and browsed the World Cup betting market for a Bet Builder for this match which pays out at 4/1 if it comes in.
Selections
USA to win @ 4/7
Folarin Balogun to score any time @ 7/5
Paul Okon-Engstler 3+ tackles won @ 7/8
Pays out at 4/1
USA can earn their stripes
Australia pulled off a big shock when downing Turkey 2-0 in their opening World Cup contest, but that victory came from only 28 per cent possession and nine shots on goal.
The Socceroos conceded 30 efforts to the Crescent Stars and if Tony Popovic’s men give up the same number to a firing USA side, they are likely to be beaten.
It wasn’t a spectacular build up to the World Cup for the USMNT, but Pochettino is a top-level manager and he appears to have his side peaking on home turf.
Leg 1: USA to win @ 4/7
Balogun braced for more goals
Folarin Balogun is a forward who has always promised to be a top-level performer and he delivered with two excellent finishes against Paraguay.
The 24-year-old’s brace in the opener came from expected goals figures of only 0.16 and 0.18 and that indicates the quality of his strikes.
Balogun hit 13 goals for Monaco in Ligue 1 in the 2025-26 season and he has taken the momentum from that solid return onto the international stage.
The USMNT have scored 19 goals in their last eight games, and with Pochettino a forward-thinking coach there should be plenty of opportunities for Balogun in Seattle.
Australia conceded two goals to the US in a Denver contest in November and Balogun looks a bet to breach the defence.
Leg 2: Folarin Balogun to score any time @ 7/5
Okon-Engstler may have to put in another defensive shift
Midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler put in an excellent performance in Australia’s victory over Turkey, making 13 defensive contributions.
The 21-year-old stuck in three tackles against the Crescent Stars and most of his good work was done on the edge of the Socceroo area.
The Sydney FC man is likely to be called into plenty of rearguard action against an attack-minded USA side and the Aussie youngster looks like a play to make three or more successful tackles.
Leg 3: Paul Okon-Engstler 3+ tackles won @ 7/8
