Both nations enter this matchup riding high after multi-goal victories in their World Cup openers.Yet, BetMGM has the Americans as -165 favorites, the Socceroos as +400 underdogs and the draw +320 with a total of 2.5 goals.U.S EARNS HISTORIC WIN IN WORLD CUP OPENER AFTER BEATDOWN OF PARAGUAY AS THE LEGEND OF FOLARIN BALOGUN IS BORNTeam USA celebrates a goal vs.
Paraguay in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.(Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images)Can Team USA maintain its momentum, or will the Aussies pull off another massive shocker? Here are my main factors for the United States vs.
Australia, followed by a best bet.American attacking midfielder Christian Pulisic left after the first half of the USA’s 4-1 win over Paraguay in their 2026 World Cup opener because of a calf injury.WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONEAccording to SICscore.com, Pulisic has a history of calf issues, and he didn’t practice with the team this week.Calf problems can lead to more serious injuries, such as a torn Achilles tendon.Meanwhile, this is the first World Cup with a 48-team field, and the knockout round now has 32 teams instead of 16.United States midfielder Christian Pulisic approaches the box during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
(Europa Press Sports/Europa Press via Getty Images)Between more teams making the knockout round this year and Pulisic’s injury history, there is a 70/30 chance Team USA manager Mauricio Pochettino rests Pulisic on Friday.HOW DO TEAMS ADVANCE IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP? TIEBREAKER RULES AND ROUND OF 32 FORMAT EXPLAINEDThat matters.In fact, my buddies, who bet on soccer much more often than I do, are saying there has been "load managing" in group play this year because there are more knockout-stage spots available.Three of America’s goals against Paraguay came in the first half while Pulisic was on the pitch.I’m expecting the USA’s offense to be less explosive against Australi...