FIFA World Cup 2026: USA Reach Knockout Stage After 32 Years, Morocco Go Top of Group C

By Thetripurapost Desk, Houston, USA
Jun 20, 2026
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The United States (U.S. Soccer) secured a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after defeating Australia 2-0 in their Group D clash on Saturday. The result marks a historic achievement for the host nation, which has now advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in 32 years.

Playing without injured star forward Christian Pulisic, the Americans delivered another dominant performance at Seattle Stadium. Pulisic, sidelined with a calf injury, was absent from the squad, but the team showed impressive depth and tactical discipline to maintain its winning momentum.

The USA had earlier opened its World Cup campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay. With two wins from two matches, the hosts now lead Group D with six points. Australia remain second, while Turkey and Paraguay trail behind with one point each.

Cameron Burgess Own Goal Gives USA Early Advantage

The breakthrough came in the 11th minute when Australian defender Cameron Burgess accidentally turned Folarin Balogun's dangerous cross into his own net while attempting a clearance.

The Americans continued to press and found a second goal before halftime. Young defender Alex Freeman headed home after Sergino Dest's effort was deflected into his path. Following a brief VAR review, the goal was confirmed, handing the 21-year-old his first-ever FIFA World Cup goal.

Morocco Defeat Scotland, Move to Top of Group C

Morocco strengthened its position in Group C with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Scotland at Boston Stadium. The victory takes Morocco to four points, following their impressive draw against Brazil in the opening round.

The North African side now sit at the top of the group standings and are well-positioned to advance to the knockout phase of the tournament.

Ismail Sbairi Creates World Cup History

The decisive moment arrived within minutes of kickoff when striker Ismail Sbairi converted a precise through ball from Brahim Diaz and calmly beat Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn.

The strike became the fastest goal scored in the FIFA World Cup 2026 so far and also set a new national record as Morocco's quickest goal in World Cup history.

Sbairi's achievement was even more significant as he became only the second African footballer to score in each of his first two World Cup appearances. The only other player to accomplish the feat was Egypt's Mohamed Salah during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.