USA coach Mauricio Pochettino warned that his side must match Australia’s mental edge ahead of the Group D showdown in Seattle before the knockout. After a 4‑1 win over Paraguay and Australia’s 2‑0 upset of Turkey, both teams sit atop the group. Pochettino said the Americans need to believe in the same way that Australia believes if they want to compete.

Both sides will decide the group winner with a victory and a favourable result in Paraguay’s clash with Turkey later that day. Seattle’s home crowd in the Pacific Northwest backs the Americans, who are favorites despite doubts over Christian Pulisic’s fitness after a past injury. Pochettino highlighted Australia’s flexible defence, noting their compact build and swift transitions.

Pochettino stressed that breaking through Australia’s organized backline will test the Americans’ resilience. He praised the Socceroos’ aggression and organisation, saying it is hard to counter a team that truly believes. With top‑tier refereeing expected, the match will be a sharp contest for the group lead, determining who secures the group’s first seed and sets the tone for the knockout stages.