The United States booked their spot in the World Cup round of 32 with a 2-0 victory over Australia on Friday, even as they played without star player Christian Pulisic. The win maintained the team's perfect record in Group D with one match remaining.

Pulisic was sidelined due to a calf injury sustained in the USA's opening match against Paraguay. His absence marked a significant test for the co-hosts, who relied on other players to secure the crucial win.

The Americans took the lead in the 11th minute when Cameron Burgess scored an own goal. Shortly before halftime, Alex Freeman extended the lead with a header, which was confirmed after a VAR review overturned an initial offside call. Coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed hope for Pulisic's return in the next game.

"Christian is an important player for us, but it was impossible today for him to play," Pochettino stated. "We hope that next game he will be available." He emphasized that while Pulisic is vital, a successful tournament run will depend on contributions from the entire squad.

Weston McKennie, a US midfielder, praised the team's depth, noting their ability to adapt to different game styles. "We can play the physical game because we have guys on the field who are ready to step up for that, and we have guys with quality who can play possession-based football," McKennie said.

The victory propelled the USA to six points in Group D, guaranteeing their progression to the knockout stages. The team will conclude their group play against Turkiye on Thursday at Los Angeles Stadium.

This performance highlights the team's resilience and depth, demonstrating their capability to perform at a high level even when key players are unavailable. The focus now shifts to their final group match and the challenges of the upcoming knockout rounds.

Pochettino reiterated that while Pulisic is among the world's best, the team's collective strength is paramount for achieving their tournament goals. "If we want to win the competition, we need the whole team," he added, underscoring the importance of every player's contribution.