Haji Wright scores twice as USA come back from a goal down to see off Australia

World Cup 2026 cohosts defeat Socceroos 2-1 in Colorado

USA captain Christian Pulisic injured; Jordan Bos opens scoring

USA captain Christian Pulisic was forced off early with a lower leg complaint as the World Cup cohosts scrapped to a 2-1 win over Australia at Dick’s Sporting Goods Stadium in Colorado on Wednesday.

A double from striker Haji Wright cancelled out a shock opening goal from Socceroos left-back Jordy Bos, handing Tony Popovic his first loss and denying Australia the chance to climb the Fifa rankings and potentially face an easier group at next year’s tournament.

Pulisic, who had returned to the starting lineup after an ankle niggle kept him to a substitute appearance against Ecuador over the weekend, walked gingerly off the pitch in the 27th minute after a handful of heavy challenges from the physical Socceroos, who had clearly been told to pressure the AC Milan star.