USA vs Australia Expert Picks for Today's World Cup Group D Game - June 19

Chris Vasile - Betting Analyst at Covers.com
Chris Vasile • Betting Analyst 13+ years betting experience
Updated: Jun 19, 2026 , 10:56 AM ET • 4 min read

USA winning — in a high-scoring affair — is what our experts are aligned on for today's match vs. Australia.

USA vs Australia Expert Picks Folarin Balogun Weston McKennie
Photo By - Reuters Connect. Folarin Balogun of the U.S. celebrates scoring a goal with Weston McKennie.

After a dominant win in their World Cup opener, USA look to stay hot in another winnable match against Australia.

To help you fill out your wagers for this match, we've polled our soccer experts for their favorite plays in this afternoon's game.

Here are our USA vs. Australia expert picks, with the action kicking off at 3 p.m. ET, broadcast on FOX.

USA vs Australia expert picks for today

Pick Odds
Chris Vasile Chris Vasile: Over 2.5 goals +104
Jason Ence Jason Ence: Folarin Balogun to score +144
Sam Farley Sam Farley: USA to win -163
James Eastham James Eastham: Over 2.5 goals +104

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Chris Vasile's expert pick: Over 2.5 goals - YES

Kalshi probability: 49%
American odds:
+104

The United States scored four times against Paraguay and now faces an Australian side that should offer more resistance, but that doesn't necessarily point to a lower-scoring game.

The Americans have failed to keep a clean sheet in eight of their last nine matches, with seven of those contests clearing 2.5 goals.

Australia has enough pace and attacking quality to contribute on the counterattack, while the U.S. continues to create chances in bunches.

With first place in Group D carrying significant travel advantages deeper into the tournament, expect both teams to push for all three points.

Jason Ence's expert pick: Folarin Balogun to score goal - YES

Kalshi probability: 41%
American odds:
+144

One could be forgiven for thinking that Christian Pulisic officially being ruled as questionable for this match means Folarin Balogun’s chances of scoring go down drastically. However, it was Malik Tillman who was linking up with him the most vs. Paraguay, accounting for five passes in 72 minutes — compared to just two from Pulisic in 45 minutes.

Balogun’s 56 offers to receive the ball ranked second only to Weston McKennie. Of those, 25 came via movements between defenders, while another 22 came via runs behind the defense.

He represents one of the most active strikers the USMNT has ever fielded, which is why I’ll gladly back him to score again.

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Sam Farley's expert pick: USA to win - YES

Kalshi probability: 62%
American odds:
-163

We're not getting huge odds, but it’s hard to look behind the UMSNT winning this. The speed they showed in attacking transitions in their opener was impressive, and the fullbacks can be dangerous.

Australia, despite winning against Turkey, rode their luck: They trailed in nearly every statistic (besides, obviously, goals) but will struggle against an American team that looked incredibly well-balanced.

James Eastham's expert pick: Over 2.5 goals - YES

Kalshi probability: 49%
American odds:
+104

The opening games showed that USA and Australia are set up to produce front-foot soccer. USA were offensively outstanding in demolishing Paraguay 4-1, while Australia attacked with vigor, guile, and a clinical edge to overcome the odds and defeat Turkey 2-0.

Top spot in the group is at play here, and both teams will take defensive risks to secure the three points. Expect an open, exciting encounter, and at least three goals.


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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Chris Vasile Covers.com
Betting Analyst

Chris Vasile is a betting analyst with over 13 years of experience breaking down soccer betting markets, with additional coverage across the WNBA and NFL. He focuses on finding numbers that are slow to adjust — whether it’s due to scheduling spots, player usage, or recent form — and explaining why a line is worth playing. His work has appeared across major betting and sports media platforms, including Covers, VSiN, BetMGM Network, and SportsGrid, where he’s delivered sharp analysis on both mainstream and niche markets. At Covers, he contributes to major tournament coverage and daily betting content, with a particular focus on soccer. He also runs the Game Day Wagers YouTube channel, where he shares daily picks and betting insights tailored for serious bettors.

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