World Cup 2026 Player of the Day - Day 9: Freeman Impresses as USA Seal Last-32 Berth
Tom Hancock
Alex Freeman scored his first competitive international goal to help co-hosts the USA reach the last 32 of the World Cup 2026 with a 2-0 win over Australia in Group D.
The 21-year-old reacted quickest to the loose ball following a free-kick and headed in from close range. The assistant’s flag went up, but a VAR check showed he had stayed onside, sparking wild celebrations in Seattle as the States doubled their lead shortly before half-time.
Playing on the right of a back three Freeman, who made nine LaLiga appearances after joining Villarreal from Orlando City in January, was integral to the intensity which saw Mauricio Pochettino’s team restrict Australia to just five shots all game.
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Earning his 19th cap for his country, Freeman showed his tenacious side by winning six out of eight ground duels and four out of eight aerial duels, as well as completing two of the three dribbles he attempted as he helped drive the USA forward.
The son of former NFL star Antonio Freeman, a Super Bowl winner with the Green Bay Packers, Freeman is playing at his second major tournament, having featured in the USA’s run to the final of last year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Victory for the USA means they’ve won back-to-back games – and two group games – at a World Cup for the first time since the inaugural edition way back in 1930. They close out their group campaign against Turkey in San Francisco next Friday.
READ MORE: World Cup Group Stage Analysis – Part 1
