SEATTLE — The United States has secured a place in the knockout round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A 2-0 victory over Australia on Friday, June 19 at Lumen Field guaranteed the Americans’ advancement — with four players from the FC Dallas academy pipeline playing key roles.
Australia’s Cameron Burgess turned a Folarin Balogun cross into his own net in the 11th minute, pressured by FC Dallas product Ricardo Pepi (No. 9, El Paso). Alex Freeman headed home a 43rd-minute second — becoming the first USMNT defender to score at a World Cup since John Brooks in 2014. The USMNT controlled the first half with 70 percent possession and 259 accurate passes to Australia’s 78. The starting XI: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, A. Robinson; Adams, Tillman, McKennie; Dest; Pepi, Balogun. Captain Christian Pulisic was unavailable due to a calf injury.
The USMNT opened the tournament with a 4-1 win over Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles.
North Texas talent
Little Elm’s Weston McKennie (No. 8, Juventus) — roughly 45 minutes from Sherman — started in midfield and played the full 96 minutes in his second World Cup campaign. Pepi (El Paso), Chris Richards (No. 3), and Alex Zendejas (No. 26, El Paso) complete the four FC Dallas products on the 26-man USMNT roster. FC Dallas posted a tribute before the tournament: "From the place where it all started."