Two camps who will be looking to wrap up their respective World Cup knockout stage tickets on Friday night, the USA will welcome Australia to Seattle.With all eyes now fully fixed on North America, there are plenty of eye-catching 2026 World Cup betting promotions available.Verdict: USA win Best Odds: 7/10Bookmaker: BetUSUSAStarting with the hosts, losing three of their final four friendly showdowns ahead of opening their iconic home tournament last week, the USA certainly had a tremendous amount of pressure on their shoulders. However, backed by a vocal and emotional home support in California, Mauricio Pochettino’s camp enjoyed a sensational start to proceedings and laid down quite the marker. Storming their way to what was a thumping 4-1 victory against Paraguay, the former Tottenham boss will be dreaming of a repeat performance when his squad arrive in Seattle on Friday night. Producing a clinical display and with their sights firmly set on mounting a late knockout stage charge this summer, the United States will be confident of making another public World Cup statement this weekend.USA Team NewsIn what could prove to be a huge blow for the USA on Friday night, attacking talisman Christian Pulisic is suffering from a reported calf issue and is seen as a doubt in Seattle.Bagging a sensational World Cup brace against Paraguay last week, former Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun will spearhead the United Staes’ charge. Signing off his third campaign with Dutch giants PSV last month, one-time Barcelona defender Sergino Dest should be deployed in a more advanced role.AustraliaAs for the visitors, despite opening their respective World Cup adventure facing a major challenge in Vancouver, Australia produced a famous performance. Securing a 2-0 victory against a Turkey squad who were almost universally regarded as a genuine dark horse contender, Tony Popovic’s men certainly find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. However, despite looking to springing another almighty upset in Seattle this weekend, the Socceroos should be concerned by their most recent showdown against this summer’s hosts. Falling to a 2-1 loss when they travelled to the USA for a friendly battle back in October, Popovic’s men are once again installed as a real underdog contender and they will be bracing themselves for a stern examination on Friday night.Australia Team NewsBoth finding the net against Turkey last week, the duo of St. Pauli’s Connor Metcalfe and Watford youngster Nestory Irankunda will be start on either flanks in Seattle.Despite enduring a domestic nightmare with Leicester City last season as the Foxes shockingly lost their Championship status, Harry Souttar will start at the heart of Australia’s defence. Appearing to have cemented his spot as Popovic’s number one choice, Melbourne City shot-stopper Patrick Beach will start between the sticks.USA vs Australia Key Factors to ConsiderWhen the USA and Australia met for their most recent showdown back in October 2025, Pochettino’s camp claimed a 2-1 victory on home soil.Australia’s famous 2-0 win against Turkey last week was just the second clean sheet they have mustered from their previous eight appearances across all competitions.The United States have seen seven of their previous eight appearances across all competetions finish with over 2.5 goals.Including a sensational World Cup brace against Paraguay last week, Folarin Balogun has registered 13 goals for club and country so far this calendar year.The two historic showdowns between USA and Australia have produced seven goals at both ends of the pitch.ConclusionTwo camps who know that they can wrap up their own respective World Cup knockout stage tickets on Friday night, we could be set for an enjoyable Group D showdown in Seattle. Watching the USA enjoy a sensational start to their home tournament as they cruised their way to a thumping 4-1 victory against Paraguay, Pochettino’s men will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. Landing a 2-1 win when they welcomed Australia to the United States for a friendly showdown back in October, we are expecting a similar outcome this weekend.Verdict: USA winBest Odds: 7/10Bookmaker: BetUSThe post Prediction: USA vs Australia appeared first on SoccerNews.