The United States got off to one of the best World Cup starts on Matchday 1 with a 4-1 win over Paraguay, while Australia pulled off a shocking 2-0 win over Türkiye. A vital Group D collision between the USMNT and Australia takes place on Friday, June 19, at 3 p.m. ET on FOX.
PrizePicks Team Picks tabs USA as the clear favorite with a 1.53x payout if they win (72% implied probability, compared to Australia’s 4.76x payout. Christian Pulisic’s latest injury update is far from inspiring, which could shift payouts and roles for key players like Folarin Balogun and Weston McKennie.
How could USMNT follow up a brilliant Matchday 1 performance against today’s matchup with a dangerous Australia squad? Let’s jump into our United States vs. Australia picks for World Cup 2026 player projections on PrizePicks.
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Top United States vs. Australia Picks for World Cup – Friday, June 19
According to FotMob, the USA dominated with a 65% possession rate while tallying 16 shots, 6 shots on target, and 4 big chances against Paraguay. Meanwhile, Australia had only a 28% possession vs. Türkiye, were outshot 30-9, and totaled 1.18 expected goals (xG) compared to Türkiye’s 1.36 xG.
If Australia is dominated in possession once again, they’re playing with fire — especially when the USMNT’s attack looked so sharp, contributing to their rise in our World Cup Power Rankings. If Pulisic does not suit up, the United States remains firmly in the favored role for Friday’s Group D matchup. A win would clinch the Stars and Stripes a spot in the knockout stage.
For your United States player picks, Friday's daily PrizePicks World Cup promo for the group stage is a Discount for CB Tim Ream, dropping his 83.5 passes attempted to 47.5 for a limited time.
With that said, here are a few United States vs. Australia player picks and their stats for Friday’s World Cup 2026 match — featuring projections from PrizePicks.
United States ST Folarin Balogun vs. Australia: 3 Shots
- On Matchday 1, Folarin Balogun became the first USMNT player to score 2 goals in a World Cup match since 1930!
- In only 72 minutes, Balogun lived up the hype as the Yanks’ new striker, tallying 1.65 xG on target, 5 shots, and 3 shots on target.
- While Australia logged a clean sheet vs. Türkiye, the Socceroos gave up 8.0 shots on target, which currently ties Türkiye for the fourth-highest mark in World Cup 2026.
- Further, Australia yielded 51 touches in their box and 8 corners on Matchday 1.
- Türkiye’s absurd 30 shots says enough, once again emphasizing the Aussies are in trouble if they stick with this strategy.
- Why would Balogun’s shot volume take a hit? Including friendlies vs. Senegal (May 31) and Germany (June 6), he’s logged 4.0 shots per match over his last three appearances for the Stars and Stripes.
Combine United States + Folarin Balogun World Cup picks for bigger payouts on PrizePicks.
United States MF Weston McKennie vs. Australia: 42.5 Passes Attempted
- Pulisic’s injury is square in the spotlight heading into this fixture, and rightfully so considering his 1 assist, 2 big chances created, and 4 successful dribbles in only 45 minutes played on Matchday 1. If he’s out, Weston McKennie could help replace some of that playmaking on the frontline.
- McKennie posted 40 successful passes (84th percentile), 3 chances created (83rd percentile), and 3 successful dribbles (86th percentile) vs. Paraguay.
- According to Opta Analyst, the United States midfielder recorded 51 passing attempts on Matchday 1.
- Once again, possession is not much of a worry for the USMNT coming into this matchup with Australia holding a 28% possession in their last fixture. If that continues, McKennie should have plenty of time with the ball — which would be further boosted if Pulisic is out or limited.
Combine United States + Weston McKennie World Cup picks for bigger payouts on PrizePicks.
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Australia GK Patrick Beach vs. United States: 3.5 Goalie Saves
- How in the world did Australia keep a clean sheet against Türkiye’s barrage? Goalkeeper Patrick Beach put forth an extraordinary effort with 8 saves (94th percentile) and 1.46 goals prevented (100th percentile).
- Losing possession is a constant theme for Australia, as they posted 37% and 40% marks in friendly fixtures against Switzerland and Mexico on June 6 and May 30.
- Even in March 31’s 5-1 friendly win over Curaçao, the Socceroos lost possession, 54-46.
- This is constantly putting pressure on the goalkeeper, meaning another busy day could be ahead for Beach.
- The USA racked up 16.3 shots per match over their last three appearances. Beach may see another flurry of shots on target for Matchday 2.
Combine Australia + Patrick Beach World Cup picks for bigger payouts on PrizePicks.
Make United States vs. Australia World Cup 2026 Picks on PrizePicks
Christian Pulisic’s injury adds further intrigue for United States vs. Australia player picks, potentially meaning an increased role for Weston McKennie. Plus, Folarin Balogun looks to repeat a dominant performance against an Australia squad that’s allowed plenty of shots.
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