US Fans Think They're Going 'Win World Cup' After Beating Australia

Hal picked up his MA in Sports Journalism and NCTJ qualification from St Mary's University Twickenham, Hal has since been part of Valnet since late 2021.

He started as a freelance football writer for This Is Futbol and carried that on over to FootballFanCast before becoming their social media editor. He now works as an editor for GiveMeSport, predominantly focusing on Premier League, Champions League, and English football.

He also helps GiveMeSport cover other major sports such as MMA, boxing, darts, tennis, and golf. Key events like the summer and winter Olympics are also highlights when they appear on the sporting calendar.

Hal is an Arsenal and Three Lions fan, but keeps an eye on the All Blacks, his favourite rugby team, having grown up in New Zealand. Sign in to your GiveMeSport account Having started the 2026 World Cup with a bang - thumping Paraguay 4-1 - the US then took on Australia in their second Group D game. Playing in Seattle, the

Despite missing star man Christian Pulisic through injury, the home team looked to be full of confidence as they started with great intensity. This helped Mauricio Pochettino's men take a lead when Folarin Balogun forced an own goal in off Cameron Burgess after just 11 minutes. Before the break, the USMNT had doubled their lead, with Alex Freeman surviving an initial offside call, with VAR allowing the goal to stand, with the American clearly onside.

In the second half, Australia settled and looked a little more threatening. But there didn't do enough to mount a comeback, with the home team hanging on to claim a 2-0 victory.

In particular, Balogun really caught the eye. Having scored a brace in that opening win against Paraguay, who once again looked lively in this game. Former France World Cup winner Olivier Giroud was blown away by Balogun's efforts. He said on the BBC Sport coverage:

"With his power and pace, he made the difference."

Theo Walcott said he 'loves' the fact that the US striker is 'so positive', while adding that the player is great at 'exposing centre-halves' with his pace. That speed was apparent for the opening goal, while Balogun's electric movement caused more problems in the second half as he won multiple corners.

The BBC pundits weren't the only ones to be impressed by the Monaco star either.

Marsch’s behaviour has caused a huge stir.

It's fair to say the US fans were impressed by Balogun's efforts on the day. One said:

"Convinced that Balogun might be the greatest USMNT player of all-time. Electric player."

Another added: "Balogun really is incredible." While a third word: "Balogun might be the best to ever put on a USMNT kit." One more simply said: "Balogun is brilliant."

With Balogun leading the way, many US fans are starting to believe that they are going to win the World Cup. One said:

"USA might win the World Cup at this point."

Another added: "We are actually going to win the World Cup." With a third adding: "The USA really going to win the World Cup."

With six points from their opening two games, the US have confirmed their place in the next round of the competition. If they can make it thre wins from three in their final group game (against Turkey), confidence will be sky high.