Five Things to Know: USMNT vs. Australia

The U.S. Men’s National Team returns to action for the second and final match in the October window. After battling red-hot Ecuador to a 1-1 draw in the opener, the USMNT will look to close out the window on a high note against another World Cup-bound opponent.

Here are five storylines heading into Tuesday’s matchup:

1. The USMNT Looks to Create More Mile High Magic

The USMNT played most recently on Oct. 10 in Austin, Texas, where the program has never lost in seven matches. Now, the group heads west to another spot where they’ve had great success in program history. The USMNT has won seven of eight all-time matches in Colorado, including the last six straight. The only two states in which the USMNT has won seven or more consecutive matches are California (nine consecutive from 2006-2009) and Washington (seven consecutive from 2002-2016).

• READ: USMNT Looks for More Mile High Magic

2. Feeding Off the Energy

The atmosphere at Q2 Stadium, home of Austin FC in Major League Soccer and the site of the USMNT’s last match, was electric. The match was a sellout and those in attendance brought the energy, erupting in “U-S-A!” chants that lifted the team in its rally after going down a goal. Tuesday’s meeting with Australia has the chance to create another memorable atmosphere. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. MT at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, home of the Colorado Rapids in Commerce City where, just like Austin, the USMNT is undefeated.

• READ: ‘We Felt the Togetherness’: Sellout Crowd in Austin Drives USMNT Comeback

3. Folarin Balogun Has a Chance to Go Three-for-Three 

Folarin Balogun delivered the equalizer for the United States in the team’s determined come-from-behind draw with Ecuador on Friday night. It was the second straight match the striker has scored for the United States going back to September in the 2-0 win over Japan in Columbus, Ohio. The latest finish brought Balogun’s international goal total to seven, and the striker has recorded at least one goal contribution in six of his last eight starts for the U.S. Teammates lauded Balogun’s energy and work rate, and he’ll look to continue his vibrant run of form against Australia. 

• READ: Balogun’s Nonstop Work Rate Rewarded with Goals in Back-to-Back Matches

4. Australia is a World Cup Caliber Opponent

For the second straight match this window, the United States will face a top 25 team bound for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Australia enters Tuesday’s meeting ranked No. 25 in FIFA, just one place below the USMNT’s most recent opponent, Ecuador. Back in the summer, Australia qualified for the World Cup and, similar to Ecuador, enters the matchup with the U.S. on a hot streak. The Socceroos arrive to Colorado on a 12-match unbeaten run dating back to March 21, 2024. Australia has won its last seven straight matches, including most recently a 1-0 victory over Canada on Oct. 10 in Montréal.

• READ: USMNT vs. Australia Match Preview
• TRACKER: Which nations have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? 

5. The USMNT Aims to Be More Clinical with the Final Pass

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino was happy with his team’s response in the draw against Ecuador, calling the performance “serious” and “professional.” The head coach also said there are details where his team can improve, aspects like communication and being more precise in the final third. The USMNT dominated the stat sheet against Ecuador, outshooting La Tri 11-8 and holding 66.2 percent of the possession. The United States is creating opportunities and moved the ball fluidly Friday. Being more clinical in the final third could very well lead to more attacking success for Pochettino’s squad.