Freeman puts impressive USA into knockouts

USA goals: Burgess own goal (11), Freeman (43)

The USA bandwagon is gathering impressive pace after the FIFA World Cup 2026™ co-hosts comfortably defeated Australia to move into the Round of 32 with a game to spare. They are guaranteed a place as one of the best third-placed teams with this victory.

USA had not won back-to-back games at a World Cup since the start of the inaugural edition in 1930. Mauricio Pochettino’s team have now put that right – and did so in highly exciting, high-energy fashion.

What was all the more impressive about the result was that it came without star player Christian Pulisic, who was ruled out with a calf injury.

They were as bright as the Seattle sunshine as they pressed high up the pitch and overwhelmed Tony Popovic’s Socceroos. USA took the lead for the second game running through an own goal. Folarin Balogun was the creator with an electric surge into the box from the left side and his low cross was turned into his own net by Cameron Burgess.

The Stars and Stripes got their second goal just before the interval when a deflection sent Sergino Dest’s shot from the edge of the box looping towards goal. As the ball dropped in the six-yard box, Alex Freeman, the son of a Super Bowl hero, got his head there ahead of goalkeeper Patrick Beach to nod in.

Balogun might have added a third goal but Alessandro Circati made a vital block. Yet for the irrepressible co-hosts, those two first-half goals were more than enough as they secured a first clean sheet in ten matches.

Saibari screamer seals Morocco victory

Morocco goal: Saibari (2)

Morocco took an early lead over Scotland at Boston Stadium and never looked back. The Atlas Lions' solitary goal came courtesy of Ismael Saibari, who ran past the Scottish back line, brought down a well-weighted ball from Brahim Diaz and slammed the ball past Angus Gunn and into the roof of the net.

Saibari's finish was a record breaker: the fastest so far at FIFA World Cup 2026™ and Morocco's fastest ever at the global showpiece. The victory leaves Morocco with four points and sitting atop Group C ahead of Brazil's game in Philadelphia.

After the break, the game's back-and-forth momentum continued. Saibari came close to a second, hitting a deflected shot off the bar after Bilal El Khannouss broke down the left wing and whipped in a low cross.

Morocco came close again moments later when El Khannouss nearly flicked home a near post corner from Achraf Hakimi, only to be denied by Gunn again.

Scotland gained the ascendancy in the final 15 minutes. John McGinn, Ben Gannon-Doak and Scott McTominay attacked in waves as the Tartan Army willed them toward an equaliser, however time ran out as the Atlas Lions hung on for a crucial victory.

Cunha double fires Brazil top and ends Haiti's hopes

Brazil goals: Cunha (23, 36), Vinicius Jr. (45+3)

Brazil edged ahead of Morocco on goal difference at the top of Group C after a comfortable victory that ends Haiti's hopes of progressing.

It took over 20 minutes, but once they got going there was not stopping the five-time champions. Vinicius Jr created the first goal by firing a shot that Johnny Placide couldn't hold on to. Matheus Cunha was in the right place at the right time and tapped in from close range.

Just thirteen minutes later, that combination paid dividends again for the Seleçao. After snatching possession in midfield, Vinicius Jr slid the ball through to Cunha. The Manchester United forward lashed the ball into the top corner to double Brazil's lead.

The South Americans added a third in first half stoppage time. Vini Jr switched from playmaker to goalscorer, controlling a pass from Lucas Paqueta before sliding it under an onrushing Placide.

In the second half, the Seleçao managed the game, finding moments to push for more goals. Second-half sub Gabriel Martinelli was denied a wonderful goal by the crossbar and Endrick found the net only to have his celebrations curtailed by the assistant referee's flag.

Haiti battled on looking to open their account at the tournament but could not find a way past Allison. With the defeat, the Caribbean nation's first appearance at the FIFA World Cup™ since 1974 will end after their match against Morocco on 24 June. Brazil will take on Scotland the same day in Miami.