SEATTLE — The U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Australia 2-0 at Lumen Field on Friday, June 19, clinching a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout round. Four players who trace their soccer roots to FC Dallas and the North Texas development pipeline featured in the match.
Australia defender Cameron Burgess knocked the ball into his own net in the 11th minute after a cross from Folarin Balogun, with El Paso native and FC Dallas product Ricardo Pepi applying pressure in the six-yard box. It marked the second consecutive match in which the USMNT benefited from an own goal, a first in FIFA World Cup history according to Opta.
Defender Alex Freeman doubled the lead in the 43rd minute, nodding home a rebounded Sergiño Dest shot for his first World Cup goal. Freeman became the first USMNT defender to score at a World Cup since John Brooks against Ghana in 2014.
The Americans dominated the first half, holding 70 percent possession and completing 259 accurate passes to Australia’s 78. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino deployed a 4-4-2 formation with captain Christian Pulisic unavailable due to a calf injury. The full starting XI: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, A. Robinson; Adams, Tillman, McKennie; Dest; Pepi, Balogun.
FC Dallas pipeline on display
Little Elm native Weston McKennie (No. 8, Juventus) started in midfield and played until the 96th minute. Pepi (No. 9), who earned his first World Cup start, was substituted in the 74th minute. Chris Richards (No. 3), developed through FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo academy, received a yellow card for a tactical foul on Nestory Irankunda. Alex Zendejas (No. 26, El Paso) rounded out the four FC Dallas products on the 26-man roster.
A widely-circulated post on X from FC Dallas supporter Garrett Melcer read: "The USMNT kicks off its 2026 World Cup tonight and four of its members began their soccer journeys with FC Dallas & its Academy."