USA Through to World Cup Knockouts With Zlatan’s Blessing
The United States have booked their place in the World Cup knockout stage after beating Australia 2-0 on Friday, making it two wins from two at the tournament they are co-hosting. For the latest standings and results, check out our live standings.
According to The Guardian, the victory earned the Americans an unlikely but welcome endorsement. Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, speaking on Fox’s post-match broadcast, was asked whether he believes the US can win the whole thing. His answer was blunt: “Yes.” US players, asked about those comments afterwards, were broadly on board with the sentiment.
“I don’t think it’s ridiculous,” said defender Chris Richards. “We want to lift a trophy by the end of this.” Fellow centre-back Auston Trusty echoed that confidence, though he was careful to add that it remains a game-by-game business.
Freeman Steals the Show
Much of the post-match attention fell on 21-year-old Alex Freeman, who is quickly emerging as one of the stories of this World Cup. Operating on the right side of a three-man backline, the Villarreal defender — who built his reputation in MLS with Orlando City — scored the second goal to put the result beyond doubt. The strike was initially chalked off for offside before a lengthy VAR review reinstated it.
Freeman, whose father Antonio Freeman won a Super Bowl, was understandably emotional about the moment, describing it as the realisation of a long-held dream.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who declared at his unveiling that his target is to win this World Cup, was full of praise for the youngster. “The evolution is massive,” Pochettino said. “He has potential to be one of the best players in his position in the world.”
Historical Context
For all the optimism surrounding the squad, the historical bar is not especially high. The USA’s best-ever men’s World Cup finish was third place in the very first edition back in 1930. In the modern era, a quarter-final run in 2002 remains their furthest progress.
Whether this squad can rewrite that history remains to be seen, but two wins into a home tournament, with a promising young core and backing from one of football’s most recognisable names, the mood around the team is bullish. Follow all the action at our World Cup 2026 hub.