BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Oct. 17, 2026) – The U.S. Power Soccer National Team opened the 2026 FIPFA Powerchair World Cup today with a confident 1-0 victory over Australia in Buenos Aires, Argentina in the first of a tough nine-game schedule to attempt to earn a spot in the tournament's semifinals being played October 15.
The U.S. goal in this opening match came after the team’s sustained offensive pressure paid off with first-half substitute David Dowling, making his World Cup debut, perfectly split the Australian defense from the left wing to set-up Jordan Dickey at the back post to slot home the team's lone goal.
It was Dickey who began the play in midfield by knocking a loose ball to veteran Lexi Heer, who expertly one-timed a pass forward into the left wing for Dowling. His spinning one-touch pass then set-up Dickey’s heroics.
This was Dickey’s 24th career goal for the United States and his 17th in World Cup action.
Dowling now has six career assists as an emerging playmaker on the team, but the goal contribution to Dickey was his first point ever in World Cup action.
U.S. head coach Tracy Mayer used his open subs liberally throughout the game, making sure every player on the squad received significant minutes as the team enters the marathon of 10-team round-robin World Cup competition. Starters Zach Dickey (in goal) and field players Riley Johnson, Nathan Mayer and captain Jordan Dickey were all in and out of the match, with veterans Pete Winslow and Lexi Heer joining them off the bench. In addition to Dowling, Lindsay Muench also earned her first-ever World Cup cap in the match.
Although shots in the match were fairly even in the end, with the U.S. outshooting the Pararoos 8-7, the U.S. goal was rarely challenged. However, it took a skillful goalmouth save by goalkeeper Zach Dickey (Jordan's brother) on the final shot of the game to help keep the clean sheet intact in second half extra time.
On the play, a rebound fell to Australia’s J. Parry, who hit a hard, well-placed shot that ultimately was stifled by Zach Dickey.
Next up for the U.S. is a pair of games on Sunday, October 18 from the Olympic Park in Buenos Aires. The U.S. begins the day at 10 a.m. local (9 a.m. ET) against Denmark before returning to the court at 2:30 p.m. local (1:30 p.m. ET) to battle Belgium.
Both games can be streamed live on the official FIPFA YouTube page, along with all the tournament action.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
- David Dowling and Lindsay Muench made their World Cup debuts against Australia in first group play match
- The squad features six players that helped the U.S. win the 2025 APFC America’s Cup and qualify for 2026 FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup: Nathan Mayer, Jordan Dickey, David Dowling, Riley Johnson, Lexi Heer and Pete Winslow
- There are six players on the roster who were part of the 2023 World Cup roster where the U.S. finished in third place: Nathan Mayer, Jordan Dickey, Riley Johnson, Lexi Heer, Pete Winslow and Zach Dickey
- This is Jordan Dickey fourth World Cup participation (2011, 2017, 2023, 2026)
- This is Nathan Mayer (2017, 2023, 2026), Riley Johnson (2017,2023, 2026) and Pete Winslow (2011, 2023, 2026) third World Cup participation
- Lexi Heer and Zachary Dickey have both participated in two World Cups (2023, 2026)
- The last time the U.S. won the FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup was in 2011 in France
- Ten nations will be competing in this tournament
-U.S. POWER SOCCER NATIONAL TEAM MATCH REPORT-
Match: U.S. Power Soccer National Team vs. Australia
Date: October 17, 2026
Competition: 2026 FIPFA World Cup – Group Stage
Venue: Buenos Aires Olympic Park – America Hall (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. local time
Attendance: 727
| Scoring Summary |
1 |
2 |
F |
| USA |
1 |
0 |
1 |
| AUS |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| USA – Jordan Dickey (David Dowling) | 18th minute |
Lineups:
USA: 11-Zach Dickey; 2-Nathan Mayer, 3-Jordan Dickey (capt.), 22-Riley Johnson
Substitutes: 5-Lexi Heer, 8-Lindsay Muench, 9-Pete Winslow, 10-David Dowling
Head coach: Tracy Mayer
AUS: 18-S. Mott; 3-R. Evans, 5-D. Liolio-Davis, 9-R. Seck
Substitutes: 2-T. Peters, 10-J. Parry, 14-C. Hastas, 23-L. David
Head coach: R. Wright
Stats Summary: USA / AUS
Shots: 8 / 7
Shots on Goal: 6 / 7
Saves: 7 / 5
Corner Kicks: 2 / 3
Fouls: 4 / 1
2 v.1: 1 / 3
Misconduct Summary:
N/A
Officials:
Referee: N. Balin (FRA)
Assistant Referee 1: L. Claudio Dos Santos (BRA)
Assistant Referee 2: R. Wesley (BRA)
Fourth Official: C. Berthouloux (FRA)
What is power soccer?
Power soccer is the first competitive team sport developed specifically for power wheelchair users and has been played internationally since 2007. The U.S. Power Soccer National Team features male and female athletes with disabilities that include quadriplegia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy, among others.
The game is played in a gymnasium on a regulation basketball court with four players who attack, defend, and spin-kick a 13-inch soccer ball in a skilled and challenging game similar to mainstream soccer.
