Seattle: After Mexico, co-host nation the United States has become the second host team to qualify for the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Americans secured their place with a convincing 2-0 victory over Australia on Friday and now sit on top of Group D with six points.
The result also confirmed the elimination of Turkey from the tournament. Earlier this week, fellow host nation Mexico became the first team to book a place in the knockout round after defeating South Korea 1-0.
A Unique Record for the USA
While Mexico was the first host nation to qualify from Group A, the United States achieved a notable milestone by reaching the knockout stage with one group-stage match still remaining. It is the first time the Americans have secured qualification so early in a World Cup campaign.
The hosts took the lead after Australian defender Cameron Burgess scored an own goal. The advantage was doubled in the 43rd minute when Alex Freeman found the net to make it 2-0.
Neither side managed to score in the second half. The American defense, backed by goalkeeper Matt Freese, remained solid throughout, preventing Australia from registering a goal.
Brazil Defeat Haiti 3-0
In Group C, Brazil recorded a comfortable 3-0 win over Haiti.
Matheus Cunha struck twice in quick succession in the 23rd and 36th minutes to give Brazil a commanding 2-0 lead. Vinicius Junior added a third goal late in the first half, effectively putting the match beyond Haiti’s reach.
Haiti tightened up defensively after the break and prevented further damage, but they were unable to score as Brazil completed a routine victory.
Other Results
In Group C, Scotland’s hopes of progressing suffered a major setback after a 1-0 defeat to Morocco.
In Group D, Turkey lost 1-0 to Paraguay, a result that officially knocked them out of the competition.
Canada’s First World Cup Win Overshadowed by Injury Blow
Co-host Canada earned the first World Cup victory in its history two days earlier with a dominant 6-0 win over Qatar.
However, the celebrations were dampened by a serious injury to key midfielder Ismaël Koné, who suffered a fractured leg following a challenge from Qatar’s Madibo. The Qatari player was shown a red card for the foul.
Koné has since undergone surgery and will miss the remainder of the tournament, dealing a significant blow to Canada’s World Cup campaign.
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