USA Clinches World Cup Knockout Round, Scotland Eliminated from Contention, and Alex Freeman Scores His First World Cup Goal

Since the USMNT opened with a win over Paraguay, the Americans have now beaten Australia 2-0 to clinch their spot in the knockout round — advancing for the third time in their last four World Cup appearances, having missed the 2018 tournament entirely after failing to qualify.

USA 2-0 Australia: What Actually Happened

The game was played Friday in Seattle. The U.S. forced an own goal from Australia in the 11th minute, the second straight match in which the Americans benefited from an own goal, according to Fox News. Then came the moment that generated the most social media attention.

Alex Freeman, a 21-year-old defender, scored via header. The goal was initially questioned before a VAR review confirmed he was just barely onside. It stood. Final score: 2-0.

Freeman's father, Antonio Freeman, won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers and scored two touchdowns against the Seattle Seahawks in September 1996, according to BBC Sport. Alex told reporters afterward: "It's a full circle family moment. It shows he can be great but I can be great in my own way."

Freeman kept his love of soccer secret from his father for years, initially pushed toward the sport by his mother and stepfather, BBC Sport reported. None of that hesitation is visible now.

What the USA Still Needs

According to Breitbart, a draw against Turkey on Thursday is enough to win Group D outright. Winning the group would earn the U.S. a favorable knockout-round draw against a third-place team rather than a group winner.

The Americans have reached the knockout round multiple times but only have one knockout-stage win to show for it: a 2002 Round of 16 victory over Mexico.

Star forward Christian Pulisic sat out the Australia match. Fox News reports the U.S. hopes to have him available for the Turkey game.

Australia coach Tony Popovic criticized the referee after the match, per Fox News, though his specific complaints about the officiating were not detailed in the available reporting.

The Seattle Patriotism Non-Story

Before Friday's game, the Seattle Times published a piece highlighting fans who said they had "mixed feelings" about rooting for the U.S. given President Trump's immigration policies and other political disagreements. The article quoted one person, Carey Lefkowitz, who said it was hard to "enthusiastically" cheer for the U.S. in the current political climate. The same article quoted Mark Cairns, who also said he doesn't like Trump, stating flatly that he would "root for the U.S. regardless," per Breitbart's account of the Seattle Times piece.

Some Americans genuinely feel that political circumstances have complicated the meaning of national symbols. One outlier quote in a newspaper preview piece did not represent the 68,000-plus inside the stadium. Breitbart posted video of Seattle streets filled with people chanting "U-S-A." Fox Sports broadcast footage showed stadium crowds cheering loudly throughout.

Scotland 0-1 Morocco: Alive but Hanging

In Boston, Morocco scored 71 seconds into the match against Scotland, a body blow to the Tartan Army, who had beaten Haiti 1-0 the previous week. Scotland never scored, but BBC Sport's Tom English noted the closing stages were frantic: coach Steve Clarke threw on Ben Gannon-Doak, Lyndon Dykes, and Ross Stewart in pursuit of an equalizer. Scott McTominay hit the side-netting. Dykes headed over. Morocco held on.

Scotland had two penalty claims for McTominay and John McGinn that were not awarded. Both were described as borderline.

The Tartan Army now faces Brazil in their final group game next Wednesday in Miami. Scotland needs a result. Brazil, for context, beat Haiti 3-0 on Friday in Philadelphia, with Matheus Cunha scoring twice and Vinícius Júnior adding a third — all before halftime, according to BBC Sport. Brazil went flat in the second half, failing to register an attempt on target after the break while Haiti had seven shots. BBC Sport noted Brazil are four points through two games but have yet to hit top form.

Paraguay, Turkey, and the Mouth-Covering Red Card

A separate Group D story: Paraguay beat Turkey 1-0 in San Francisco after midfielder Miguel Almiron was sent off for covering his mouth while speaking to a Turkish opponent. Per BBC Sport, this was the first red card issued under a new FIFA rule targeting players who obscure their lips — with FIFA president Gianni Infantino having previously endorsed a "presumption" that covered-mouth communications involved prohibited content. Paraguay held the lead with ten men and will qualify for the Round of 32 with a win over Australia in their final group game.

US Open: Clark Leads by Four

On the golf side, Wyndham Clark, the 2023 US Open champion, holds a four-shot lead at Shinnecock Hills after two rounds at seven under par, according to BBC Sport. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are both at level par, seven back, having drawn the windier side of the draw on Friday. Matt Fitzpatrick and Xander Schauffele sit at three under in a tie for second. Weekend rounds begin Saturday.

Key decisions loom for USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino: whether to start Pulisic against Turkey, and whether a Group D title, which determines the knockout draw path, is worth the risk of playing him less than fully fit.