Soccer fans across the USA, if you’re buzzing for the USMNT vs Australia clash, this international friendly is serving up a thrilling finale to the October 2025 FIFA window. The U.S. Men’s National Team took the field at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, facing a red-hot Australian Socceroos squad riding a 12-game unbeaten streak. Kickoff hit at 9:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. local time) on TNT, with streaming on HBO Max, Peacock, and Universo for Spanish broadcasts. Under the crisp Colorado night sky—temps hovering around 55°F with clear skies—the USMNT, led by coach Mauricio Pochettino, battled to a hard-fought 2-1 victory, sealed by a late Christian Pulisic golazo. This matchup, a key prep for the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the USA, saw both teams trade blows, with the Yanks’ back-three formation and clutch plays stealing the show. From Folarin Balogun’s early spark to a tense finish, here’s the full scoop on the action, lineups, and those game-changing moments that had fans roaring.
The USMNT came in off a gritty 1-1 draw against Ecuador last Friday, where Balogun’s 71st-minute equalizer showed Pochettino’s squad is finding its groove. Australia, ranked 25th globally, wasn’t an easy out—they stunned Canada 1-0 just days ago, thanks to 19-year-old Watford star Nestory Irankunda’s late strike and keeper Paul Izzo’s heroics. The Socceroos, under Tony Popovic, are prepping for their sixth straight World Cup and brought a physical, disciplined style that tested the U.S. depth. Betting odds had the USMNT as -150 favorites, with Australia at +380 and a draw at +280, but the game felt tighter than the lines suggested. With key starters like Tyler Adams, Yunus Musah, and Sergiño Dest sidelined, Pochettino leaned on rotation, giving Haji Wright, James Sands, and Alex Freeman chances to shine alongside stars like Pulisic and Weston McKennie.
Live Updates and Highlights from USMNT vs Australia
The game was a rollercoaster, with both sides creating chances and the U.S. capitalizing on their home crowd’s energy. Here’s how it unfolded, quarter by quarter, with the moments that defined this USMNT vs Australia battle:
First Half: USMNT 1-0 Australia The U.S. stuck with their back-three setup—Chris Richards, Miles Robinson, and Mark McKenzie—for the third straight game, a nod to Pochettino’s growing trust in the formation. Australia came out aggressive, with Conor Metcalfe’s early shot forcing a diving save from keeper Matt Freese just three minutes in. The Yanks answered back in the 12th, when Pulisic fed a pinpoint through ball to Haji Wright, who beat Kye Rowles and slotted a low shot past Izzo for a 1-0 lead—Wright’s first goal of the window. The crowd of 19,512 erupted, but Australia nearly equalized in the 22nd when Irankunda’s curling effort clipped the post. Tim Weah and McKennie controlled the midfield, but a sloppy clearance from Robinson led to a tense moment—Freese bailed him out with a reflex save on Mohamed Toure’s header. Halftime stats showed the U.S. edging possession (52%) and shots (6-4), with Wright’s clinical finish the difference.
Second Half: USMNT 2-1 Australia (Final) Australia came out swinging post-halftime, and their pressure paid off in the 53rd minute. A quick counter saw Aidan O’Neill slip a pass to Irankunda, who danced past McKenzie and rifled a 15-yard shot into the top corner—1-1, game on. The Socceroos pushed for more, but Freese stood tall, denying Toure again in the 60th. Pochettino subbed in Malik Tillman and Diego Luna for Cristian Roldan and Alex Freeman at the 65th, sparking the attack. The game-changer came in the 82nd: Pulisic, back in the starting XI after managing an ankle tweak, picked up a loose ball at midfield, dribbled past two defenders, and unleashed a 25-yard rocket that screamed past Izzo—2-1 USA! The final minutes were frantic—Australia’s Cameron Burgess headed just wide off a corner in the 89th, and Freese’s sprawling save on a stoppage-time free kick sealed the win. Final stats: USMNT 14 shots (5 on target), Australia 11 (4 on target), with the Yanks holding 54% possession.
Lineups and Key Performers
USMNT Starting XI (3-4-2-1): Matt Freese (GK); Chris Richards, Miles Robinson, Mark McKenzie; Tim Weah, James Sands, Weston McKennie, Alex Freeman; Cristian Roldan, Christian Pulisic; Haji Wright. Subs Used: Malik Tillman (65’), Diego Luna (65’), Brenden Aaronson (78’). Standouts: Pulisic (1 goal, 1 assist, 8/10 rating), Wright (1 goal, 7.5/10), Freese (3 saves, 7.8/10). Australia Starting XI (5-4-1): Paul Izzo (GK); Joel Italiano, Cameron Burgess, Milos Degenek, Alessandro Circati, Kye Rowles; Conor Metcalfe, Aidan O’Neill, Martin Balard, Nestory Irankunda; Mohamed Toure. Subs Used: Patrick Yazbek (70’), Daniel Arzani (75’). Standouts: Irankunda (1 goal, 7.5/10), Izzo (4 saves, 7/10).
The game wasn’t without hiccups—Robinson’s shaky moments in defense raised eyebrows, but Sands’ steady play at St. Pauli translated well, earning him praise for anchoring the midfield. Australia’s depth, with MLS names like D.C. United’s Rowles and NYCFC’s O’Neill, kept them in it, but their failure to convert late chances cost them.
Common Questions About USMNT vs Australia
What was the final score of the USMNT vs Australia match? The USMNT won 2-1, with Haji Wright scoring in the 12th minute and Christian Pulisic netting the game-winner in the 82nd. Australia’s Nestory Irankunda equalized in the 53rd, but the U.S. held firm.
Who scored the goals for the USMNT against Australia? Haji Wright opened the scoring in the 12th minute off a Pulisic assist, and Christian Pulisic sealed the 2-1 win with a stunning 25-yard strike in the 82nd minute.
How can I watch USMNT vs Australia highlights? Catch full highlights on TNT’s website, HBO Max, or the ESPN app. Clips of Pulisic’s golazo and Wright’s opener are also on FOX Soccer’s X page and ussoccer.com’s match hub.
What channel aired the USMNT vs Australia game? The match was broadcast on TNT (English) and Universo (Spanish), with streaming on HBO Max, Peacock, and Fubo. Radio coverage was on Westwood One Sports.
How does this result impact USMNT’s World Cup prep? The 2-1 win boosts momentum under Pochettino as the USMNT preps for the 2026 World Cup, showing depth despite missing stars like Adams and Dest. Next up: friendlies vs. Uruguay and Paraguay in November.
Wrapping It Up
The USMNT vs Australia clash was a heart-pounding showcase of grit, with Pulisic’s magic and Wright’s finish proving the Yanks can hang with the world’s best. Facing an unbeaten Socceroos side, the U.S. showed growth under Pochettino, turning a tight game into a confidence-building win. As the 2026 World Cup looms, this victory is a step toward hosting glory. Grab your scarves, USA fans—this team’s got the spark to shine on home soil