Sports

Can USA soccer break brutal World Cup win curse?

admin June 19, 2026

When the United States Men’s National Soccer Team takes the pitch for its second World Cup match against Australia on Friday afternoon, it will have an opportunity to break a streak that is almost 100 years old.

The USMNT started off the 2026 World Cup on the right foot after notching a 4-1 win over Paraguay in the first match of group play.

If the USMNT can secure a second consecutive victory on Friday, it will be the first time since all the way back in 1930 that the U.S. has won back-to-back World Cup matches.

Of course, 1930 was the inaugural World Cup and saw the United States beat Belgium and Paraguay, both by a score of 3-0, to advance to the knockout stage.

MORE: USMNT World Cup roster, full list of players

Unfortunately, the United States’ run ended in the semifinals after a 6-1 loss to Argentina.

The U.S. went on to secure a third-place finish, which is its best in World Cup history.

Can the USMNT break win curse vs. Australia?

June 12, 2026; Inglewood, California, U.S.; Folarin Balogun of the U.S. celebrates scoring a goal that was later disallowed. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Australia enters this match ranked No. 22 in the FIFA rankings, just seven spots behind the United States, so it is a formidable foe.

Australia got its group play off on the right foot with a 2-0 victory over Turkey and sits in second place behind the U.S. in Group D based on goal differential.

The United States should be viewed as the favorite in this match, but the USMNT’s chances of winning will take a hit if Christian Pulisic doesn’t play.

Is Christian Pulisic playing vs. Australia?

June 12, 2026; Inglewood, California, U.S.; Christian Pulisic of the U.S. during the match. Mandatory Credit: Gary Vasquez-Imagn Images

United States manager Mauricio Pochettino told reporters on Thursday that Pulisic, who is dealing with a left calf injury, is doing “much better” but did not commit to him playing.

Pulisic was slated to be evaluated by the medical staff on Thursday night to determine if he would give it a go, but nothing has been announced publicly as of this writing.

“I think tonight, or the day before the game, we have a meeting with our medical area and we will assess the whole group, the players, and tomorrow we will communicate and see all the things that [we] can agree [on] tonight,” Pochettino said. “He’s evolving. He’s much better from Friday. We’ll see.”

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Pochettino went on to add that if Pulisic doesn’t suit up on Friday, he should be available for the United States’ third group play match against Turkey on Thursday, June 25.

There have been no shortage of fans who want to see the U.S. sit Pulisic as a precaution with the USMNT fully capable of beating Australia without him.