USA downed Australia to reach knockout phase
Brazil and Morocco closed in on going through
Antonio Freeman scored a touchdown in Super Bowl XXXI. Today, 30 years later, his son grabbed the soccer equivalent in the biggest game of his life. It was one that touched USA down in the last 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Brazil and Morocco also took strides towards that target, Matheus Cunha striking twice on his first start in the competition and Ismael Saibari burying a banger.
No poster boy, no problem. Mauricio Pochettino’s men pulled off a second straight W to storm into the last 32. Folarin Balogun forced Cameron Burgess into an own-goal that put USA ahead. Then, after Sergino Dest saw his shot cannon off an Australian and loop up into the air, the other American full-back Alex Freeman nodded it home. Australia now need a result against Paraguay.
The angle was arduous. The ball was bouncing. Ismael Saibari required stainless technique to even get it on target. He combined that with titanic force and a dash of swerve to score one of the goals of this tournament. The Moroccans knocked on the Scottish door in search of a second, but Angus Gunn bodyguarded it impassably. Suddenly, Steve Clarke’s side surged but, despite some intricate build-up in the last 20 minutes, they failed to trouble Atlas Lions goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Brazil are back and bubbling. After a forgettable first 90 in North America, Carlo Ancelotti’s Seleção blew Sebastien Migne’s Grenadiers away in the first half. Vinicius Jr got a goal and an assist. Matheus Cunha bagged a brace. The only downside for Brazil was an injury to Raphinha. The upside for Haiti was an admirable second period in which they tormented their illustrious opponents.
USA registered back-to-back World Cup wins for the first time in 96 years. The Americans beat Belgium and Paraguay in their first two games in the competition.
Brazil, with an average age of 30 years and 190 days, fielded their oldest starting XI since the 1962 final. Vinicius Jr, who will turn 26 next month, was Seleção’s youngest player.
June 20 (all times local) 12:00 (Group F) 16:00 (Group E) 19:00 (Group E) 22:00 (Group F)
Sources: FIFA Official
