The United States men’s national team (USMNT) is set to face Australia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage. And, one Australian star has insisted his team will shock the co-hosts at the prestigious quadrennial tournament this year.
USMNT Warned About Potential FIFA World Cup Loss
During a recent chat with GOAL at the Major League Soccer (MLS) Media Tour, Australia ace Patrick Yazbek was asked to opine on the 2026 FIFA World Cup clash against the USMNT.
“We’re both English-speaking countries with a bit of a similar history. So, there is a kind of a rivalry between us. We relish the idea of getting one over on the American team. It’s two similar situations, two similar nations with points to prove, I guess, so it’s gonna be a very fun matchup,” the 23-year-old Nashville SC midfielder responded.
Last October, the USMNT and Australia faced off in a friendly, with the Americans emerging victorious 2-1 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Colorado. After Jordan Bos’ 19th-minute opener, Haji Wright scored twice on either side of the break for the hosts to end the Socceroos’ 12-match unbeaten run.
Asked to share his thoughts on Australia’s last game against the USMNT, Yazbek said their 2-1 defeat to Mauricio Pochettino’s side was an entertaining affair.
“I was involved in that game. I came off the bench. And, I think we always knew there was gonna be a little bit of something. I think they responded well in the first half but, overall, I think it was an exciting fixture for everyone, not just Australians or Americans,” the former Sydney FC and Viking player, born in Liverpool, Australia, responded.
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However, Yazbek is confident that Australia will bounce back from last October’s loss with a victory over the USMNT at the grandest stage of soccer.
“I think it’s a good opportunity to now come up against the U.S. in the FIFA World Cup, and I think it’s in both of our favor because we’ve had that experience against each other. Who is going to make the most of the lessons learned? I think we are,” he concluded.
Apart from Australia, the USMNT will also face Paraguay in Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will also take on one of Turkey, Slovakia, Romania, and Kosovo, who all will play against one another to become the UEFA Playoff C winner in March.
The USMNT was eliminated in the last 16 of the 2022 tournament.
