World Cup Day 9: Can the United States secure Group D against Australia?
A win by the United States, along with a draw or win by Paraguay against Turkey, will clear Group D — while there are subsequent matches that will also set up a move to the knockout stage.
Day 9 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 offers critical matches that could decide who enters the knockout rounds. Here's what to watch for in Friday's four scheduled games.
United States vs. Australia Friday, June 19 | 3:00 p.m. ET | Seattle | TV: Fox Odds: United States (-170), Australia (+440), Draw (+330) The simplest scenario: a win by either team and a draw in Paraguay vs. Turkey will give first place in Group D to the winning team. The U.S. can also ensure the group if they win and Paraguay also beat Turkey in their game. On the other hand, Australia can do it if they win and Turkey also win — because for the first time in the World Cup the head-to-head is used as a tiebreaker.
The draw is not satisfactory for either side, but it is likely that both will reach the Round of 32 even with a draw, as eight of the 12 third-place teams advance. After the strong victory of the U.S. against Paraguay, anything short of that would be a minor disappointment for America — even without Christian Pulisic. According to the report, it is possible that Pulisic will be out or get minutes after the left calf issue this week. If Pulisic doesn't start, the coach can try to put Gio Reyna on the wing.
Australia, on the other hand, will prove that their 2-0 win against Turkey is no fluke. They have never reached back-to-back knockout rounds in their World Cup history.
Scotland vs. Morocco Friday, June 19 | 6:00 p.m. ET | Foxborough, MA | TV: Fox Odds: Scotland (+450), Morocco (-145), Draw (+260) Scotland are coming off three points against Haiti and need to get more points before their final game against Brazil. This is their ninth World Cup and first participation since 1998; they have never made it past the group stage in history. In today's expanded format, four points will probably be enough to advance, especially if Brazil does not dominate.
As for Morocco, they are behind Scotland in Group C after their draw against Brazil. Morocco showed solid defense and threat on the flanks through Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui. Scotland will find a way to contain Morocco's fullbacks and maintain stability in midfield especially if Billy Gilmour is out.
Brazil vs. Haiti Friday, June 19 | 9:00 p.m. ET | Philadelphia | TV: Fox Odds: Brazil (-1100), Haiti (+2200), Draw (+1000) Brazil are clear favorites and will be looking for a better attacking display compared to their game against Morocco. There may also be a change in the starting lineup — Brazil's control of the midfield was noticed to heat up when Fabinho came on for Casemiro in the second half of the opener.
Neymar missed two consecutive games due to a calf injury and did not join the team for the game vs. Morocco. Neymar did not travel with the team. Haiti, on the other hand, had 15 shots against Scotland and had most of the possession after John McGinn's goal, but only two were on target. Most of Haiti's shots came from outside the penalty box; the big question is whether they will find different ways to attack against Brazil.
Turkey vs. Paraguay Friday, June 19 | 12:00 a.m. ET (Saturday) | Santa Clara, CA | TV: FS1 Odds: Turkey (+100), Paraguay (+300), Tabla (+230) The nightcap can be a desperate battle. A loss in this game could take them out of knockout contention especially if the U.S. ties. and Australia in the first game. Even with a win in the first game, a loss in the final group game can be a 'lame-duck'.
Before the tournament, Turkey was considered a dark horse but they struggled to score goals against Australia as Socceroos' Patrick Beach made eight saves. This is Turkey's first World Cup appearance since 2002.
Kenan Yıldız came on in the second half against Australia and showed aggressiveness — six shots and 59 touches in 49 minutes of play — so he could start tonight.
Paraguay, on the other hand, failed against the U.S., one of four times since their qualifying start to concede more than one goal and the first time after giving up more than two goals in 22 games. Paraguay is traditionally known for strong defensive discipline and finding counter-opportunities; expect Turkey to control the rhythm as Paraguay come out on top.
All in all, there are groups that can be arranged in advance and some will wait until the last day to know the final table. Watch for lineups and possible tactical changes especially for teams with injury or fatigue concerns for stars.
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