World Cup 2026 group H sees Spain vs Cape Verde on 15th June at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This preview covers team news, lineups, betting tips and predictions.
| Bookie | Selection | Best Odds | Market | Bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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USA to win | TBC | USA vs Australia | Place Bet |
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USA 2-1 Australia | TBC | USA vs Australia | Place Bet |
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Under 3.5 Goals | TBC | USA vs Australia | Place Bet |
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USA double chance, under 3.5 goals, and both teams to score | TBC | USA vs Australia | Place Bet |
Date of Tips: 12/12/2025
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (14:15 12/12/2025) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
June 19, 2026 brings another World Cup clash as the USA face Australia in Seattle. It’s the second Group D game for both sides, and every point matters. In this USA vs Australia prediction, we’re diving into how both teams might line up, how the game could unfold on the pitch, and where the key moments are likely to come from when these two meet at Lumen Field.
Mauricio Pochettino has spent months rotating, tweaking, testing ideas, and now it’s about getting it right when it matters. The spine of the team feels settled. Tyler Adams anchors midfield with his usual bite. Cristian Roldan keeps things ticking and brings control when games threaten to get messy. And Christian Pulisic is still the key player. When things tighten up, everyone looks to him.
Up top, the striker debate continues, but Folarin Balogun feels like the man for games like this. He presses, stretches defences, and doesn’t hide. Behind him, Gio Reyna offers that bit of unpredictability. If he finds space between the lines, Australia will have problems.
Australia arrive with a different mindset. Tony Popovic has them organised, disciplined, and comfortable without the ball. Mathew Ryan remains the calming presence in goal, while the back line is built to frustrate rather than dominate.
The real spark comes higher up. Nestory Irankunda is raw, fearless, and absolutely not shy. Set-pieces, quick bursts, direct running. Riley McGree and Jackson Irvine in midfield bring a work rate that will matter here.
USA (possible):
Matt Turner; Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Miles Robinson; Sergiño Dest, Tyler Adams, Cristian Roldan, Antonee Robinson; Gio Reyna, Christian Pulisic; Folarin Balogun
Australia (possible):
Mathew Ryan; Lewis Miller, Cameron Burgess, Kye Rowles, Callum Elder; Jackson Irvine, Connor Metcalfe; Martin Boyle, Riley McGree, Craig Goodwin; Nestory Irankunda
On paper, the USA have more depth and more variety going forward. At home, with the crowd pushing them on, you’d expect them to control long spells. But Australia don’t mind that at all. They’re happy to sit, stay compact, and wait for mistakes.
That’s the danger. One sloppy pass and suddenly Irankunda or Boyle will be running into space.
The USA have grown in these moments, though. This isn’t a young side finding its feet anymore. Pochettino’s shape, often a back three that shifts in possession, gives them security while still allowing width. If they stay patient and don’t force it, gaps will come.
This feels like a game where control matters more than chaos. The USA should see more of the ball, but Australia will fight for every second without it.
A few sensible angles to keep in mind:
USA to edge the overall flow of the match
Australia to remain competitive throughout
Goals likely come from moments, not waves of pressure
With chances likely at both ends, backing both teams to score makes a lot of sense.
It doesn’t scream a blowout, but the USA’s quality in wide areas and their ability to control midfield should tilt things their way, especially in the second half.
Match Prediction: USA to win. Bet with bet365.
Trying to pin down a score here isn’t easy, but a few results make sense based on how these sides play.
1–0 USA
2–1 USA
1–1
Correct Score Prediction: USA 2-1 Australia. Bet with bet365.
This doesn’t feel like a goal-fest. World Cup group games rarely are when one side is as structured as Australia.
Under 3.5 goals feels realistic
Over 1.5 goals still looks achievable
Patience will matter more than pace.
Over/Under Prediction: Under 3.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
A balanced bet builder for this match would be:
USA to avoid defeat
Under 3.5 total goals
Both teams to score
It matches the likely flow. Tight early. More open late.
Bet Builder Tip: USA double chance, under 3.5 goals, and both teams to score. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
USA are playing their second Group D match at the tournament
Australia reached the round of 16 at the last World Cup
The USA have beaten Australia in recent meetings
Both sides prefer structure over risk in big games
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The USA look slightly stronger overall, especially at home, but Australia won’t make it easy.
The kick-off time is yet to be confirmed, but the match takes place on June 19, 2026.
The match will be held at Lumen Field in Seattle.