The Group D encounter everyone Down Under has circled on their calendasr is up next for Australia, with Tony Popovic’s men set to face the USA on Saturday.

Australia are flying after a stunning start to their World Cup campaign, and now must face another heavyweight test, this time against Mauricio Pochettino's red-hot United States side.

Australia opened their tournament with a composed 2-0 win over Vincenzo Montella's Türkiye, with Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe on the scoresheet.

The USA also got off to the perfect start, dismantling a below par Paraguay side 4-1 in front of a capacity Los Angeles crowd. 

With Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and opening game two goal hero Folarin Balogun leading a star-studded American lineup, it’s no surprise to see they are favourites, particularly on home soil. 

However, you know who else were overwhelming favourites? Türkiye. When will people learn? Australia have organisation, belief and now momentum on their side. Is there another upset on the cards here? 

Either way, expect a fiery, end-to-end clash with knockout football implications already on the line for both nations.

Also, to celebrate the momentous occasion that is the 2026 World Cup, Sportsbet is bringing back its exclusive Super Sub feature!

How does Super Sub work? Well, it’s very simple. Place a bet on select player markets throughout the Men’s World Cup and if that player is subbed off your bet rolls over to the new player that replaced them.

For example, if you’ve bet on Nestory Irankunda to score during this game and he fails to do so and is directly substituted for Tete Yengi who ends up scoring instead, your original bet on Irankunda is paid as a winner!

Super Sub is not exclusive to goalscoring markets either, it also applies to anytime assist, player to win one or more fouls, shots on target and more, just make sure to read all the T&Cs before locking in your bet.

Now, back to the action! For the latest betting tips and analysis ahead of this Group D game at the 2026 World Cup, check out our USA vs Australia tips and predictions below. 

USA vs Australia Predictions 

Head-to-Head Prediction

The USA are warm favourites at 1.55 (at the time of writing), but value lies with Australia at 6.00 after their disciplined 2-0 victory over Turkiye in matchday one. 

Popovic has built a side that defends in tight blocks and attacks with purpose, with Metcalfe and rookie Okon Engstler controlling the midfield superbly against Hakan Calhanoglu and co. 

Pochettino's USA side were rampant in their opener but were not properly tested without the ball. 

Sergiño Dest's flank could be exposed by the pace of Jordan Bos and Nestory Irankunda if they can link effectively with the midfield supply line. 

With Harry Souttar and Alessandro Circati marshalling the back line, a new cult hero Patrick Beach between the sticks, Australia once again carries genuine upset potential here.

Betting tip: Australia. 

Correct Score Prediction

A 2-1 scoreline for Australia at 19.00 looks the standout value option. Australia’s win over Turkiye showed they can score effectively in transition and Irankunda’s finishing touch is sharpening at the right time. 

Pochettino's USA will no doubt get chances through Pulisic and Balogun, so back-to-back Aussie clean sheets feels unlikely. However, Patty Beach might have something to say about that.

If Australia can frustrate the hosts early and pinch one before the break like they did against Türkiye, they could steal another famous result. All things considered, backing 2-1 Australia is a tip with some serious upside.

Betting tip: 2-1 Australia. 

First Goal Prediction

Unsurprisingly, America’s Folarin Balogun is the shortest-priced option at 4.50 to open the scoring, and it is easy to see why. The Monaco striker scored twice in the USA's opener and will fancy his chances of adding to his tally here.

That being said, we only have eyes for one man here and he’s already got one opening goal to his name at this World Cup.

Australia’s star boy Nestroy Irankunda was beyond lethal in transition against Türkiye and Aussie fans should be salivating at the thought of him running early at an aging American backline. 

Betting tip: Nestory Irankunda. 

Predicted Australian Lineup 

Tony Popovic has shown he isn’t afraid to mix it up, so we are expecting a few changes for this one, despite Australia winning their opener.

There will be a lot of sore legs in camp this week after the amount of defending Australia were forced to do. 

With that in mind, we expect the fresh Kai Trewin to be bought in to deal with the pace of Pulisic and perhaps for Lucas Herrington to make his World Cup debut.

The 18-year-old defender has been linked with Barcelona in the last week and his experience playing in the US will be vital here. 

His range of passing to release the likes of Irankunda and Toure on the break could also be crucial for Australia.

Aside from these two, we don’t foresee too many more changes and unfortunately for skipper Mat Ryan, Patrick Beach is simply un-droppable after his masterclass on debut. 

GK: Patrick Beach.

RB: Kai Trewin.

RCB: Alessandro Circati.

CB: Harry Souttar.

LCB: Lucas Herrington.

LB: Jordy Bos.

RW: Connor Metcalfe.

CM: Paul Okon-Engstler.

CM: Aiden O’Neill.

LW: Nestory Irankunda.

CF: Mohamed Toure. 

Where to Watch USA vs Australia

For the first time ever, Sportsbet is offering punters the chance to stream World Cup matches live*.

To watch Sportsbet’s live streams of the World Cup, you must:

- Be 18+.

- Have a Sportsbet account.

- Be logged into your Sportsbet account.

- Have a positive balance OR have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. 

World Cup streaming is available both in-app and on-web. As long as you meet the above requirements, you’ll be able to tune in on your computer, tablet or phone.

To access the stream for USA vs Australia simply find your way to the official betting page for this match. Or, if you have a bet on the game you can watch from your "My Bets" section.

Traditional World Cup broadcaster SBS is also showing every World Cup match, meaning you can also watch USA vs Australia on either SBS, SBS Viceland or SBS On Demand. 

*18+ Available to Sportsbet customers only. Conditions apply – see sportsbet.com.au

*Odds are subject to change.

USA vs Australia Match Details 

Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026. 

Kick-off: 5:00am AEST. 

Location: Seattle Stadium, Seattle. 

Where to watch: Sportsbet, SBS.