With the United States gearing up to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this friendly with Australia has the potential to be more than just a game to warm up. It’s a test of tactics, a measure of confidence, and a glimpse of Mauricio Pochettino’s developing system against one of the most structured and underappreciated teams in world football.

Australia takes another chance to further their identity under new boss Tony Popovic, who is unbeaten and has injected energy and belief into the Socceroos camp. With their qualification to the World Cup in the books, this will be a grit check test abroad and in North America, to boot.

Following a mixed start to his managerial period in charge, Mauricio Pochettino seems to be finding the rhythm he's looking for. His side’s 1-1 draw with Ecuador was one of their more composed performances yet, and they controlled over 65% of possession and created numerous clear chances despite going behind very early. The move to a 3-4-3 formation has been paramount. It not only contributes to the defensive stability, but also serves as a base for the creativity and freedom of the wide players, for instance, Tim Weah and Christian Pulisic. The forward for AC Milan was saved from the last game but should return to the starting XI in this game, bringing world-class quality to the attacking third of the pitch. 

The Projected USA Lineup:

Freese, Robinson, Richards, Ream; Weah, Tessmann, Morris, Arfsten; McKennie, Balogun, and Pulisic (3-4-3). Also in focus is Folarin Balogun, who keeps showing value as a central striker. The movement, pressing, and finishing are exactly what the USMNT needs to make their attacking unit dangerous. Also, behind Balogun will be Weston McKennie and Tanner Tessmann to shield the back line while winning midfield battles and pushing the tempo.

When Tony Popovic took over in 2024, the expectation was for some type of transition. Jump ahead to October 2025, and the Socceroos are unbeaten in their last twelve games, with seven wins in a row! This is a team that knows who they are: organized and compact at the back and aggressive in transition while running all day. Their 1-0 win against Canada last week certainly demonstrated their ability to be patient and have the right mentality. The Australians may have had less opportunity in the match, but they took one of their chances through 19-year-old Nestory Irankunda in the 71st minute, and he also demonstrated why he is perhaps the hottest prospect, and his quickness will be a benefit against the American back line. 

Predicted Australia Starting XI (5-4-1):

Izzo; Rowles, Burgess, Degenek, Circati, Italiano; Irankunda, Balard, O'Neill, Metcalfe; Toure. Per usual, let’s give goalkeeper Paul Izzo a shout. The eight saves against Canada were not only solid, but they also make Izzo the captain and placeholder despite what veteran Matt Ryan may bring. Popovic's decisions for the roster seem daring, but they continue to pan out.

Pulisic is capable of changing the flow of the game. His speed, dribbling, and ability to create plays out of thin air are at the center of the U.S. attack. If the U.S. finds a way to win, it will probably be with a Pulisic goal or assist.

At the young age of 19, Toure's intelligence and movement are already apparent. He is the sort of forward who can create trouble for defenders with very few touches. If the Socceroos can find him in space, he is capable of punishing mistakes. 

The statistics sum up two teams that are evenly matched, one that has flair in attack and the other, steadfastness in defense. Expect a strategic match where the momentum can shift in any direction.

Aside from the scoreline, the match acts as the fairest of mirrors—reflecting where both teams sit at the moment heading into 2026.

For the United States, it is time to fine-tune combinations and see which of this group can finally satisfy the weight of expectation. And for Australia, it’s about maintaining a level head and showing they have earned their unbeaten streak through fixtures that are not so one-sided. Pochettino's side will attempt to seize control early in the match through a combination of high possession and midfield pressing. Meanwhile, Popovic's squad will play deeper, seeking to absorb pressure before springing quick counters as they did in their most recent game with Irankunda and Toure.

The two nations have met only three times previously:

The last outing was way back in 2010, a 3-1 victory for the USA, in which Edson Buddle turned in two goals with Herculez Gomez also scoring. Both teams have substantially changed in the time since. 

The Socceroos' defensive discipline will make it difficult for Pochettino's men, especially if Pulisic is not fully fit to contribute. However, the USA should also benefit from their ability to control the ball, along with home-field advantage and a midfield with a lot of energy.

Final Prediction: USA 2 – 1 Australia 

Expect a close first half; ultimately, the USA will break through in the second half, possibly through Balogun or Pulisic. Australia will respond, but in front of their home crowd, the USA should maintain composure at the back. 

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The USA wants to show the world that they are primed to compete with teams on home soil, and Australia wants to prove that they are good because they have been good, not because of an unbeaten streak. Two teams with ambition. Two tactical masterminds. One night in Colorado could tell us even more.