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As the United States men’s national soccer team looks to build on its resounding 4-1 victory over Paraguay over Australia on Friday, the biggest question surrounding the Americans is whether “Captain America” will be on the field at Seattle’s Lumen Field.
Christian Pulisic’s injury condition weighed heavily on this team despite their good start to the tournament at home. Pulisic, who had an assist in the win over Paraguay, suffered a calf injury that led to him being substituted after the first half last week.
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino was again asked about the status of Christian Pulisic ahead of Friday’s match, but he gave little insight into the condition of the star’s left calf.
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American Christian Pulisic takes part in a training session for the 2026 World Cup at Great Sports Park in Irvine, California, June 17, 2026. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
“He’s evolving,” Pochettino responded, according to the New York Post. “He’s been much better since Friday. We’ll see.
“I think right now we’re thinking if he’s not available tomorrow, he’ll be available for the next game.”
Pochettino added that Pulisic was “making a huge effort to be ready”, understanding that the American star wanted to be on the pitch with the rest of his teammates. He will meet with the training staff on Thursday evening to discuss Pulisic’s status.
“I think for any player who loves their country, it’s an incredible opportunity to take advantage and help the team win games,” he said. “When these kinds of things happen, it’s always painful, but I think Christian is strong, with a good mentality and he’s making a fantastic effort to try and be ready.”
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United States forward Christian Pulisic controls the ball in front of Paraguayan midfielder Andrés Cubas in the first half of a 2026 FIFA World Cup match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. (Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)
At the team’s practice Thursday, Pulisic did much of what he has been seen doing this week: performing a modified workout and not participating with the rest of the team during the media portion.
Pochettino would not say who would replace Pulisic if he was unable to play against Australia on Friday, although Malik Tillman moved to left wing after Pulisic’s exit against Paraguay, while Sebastian Berhalter moved to midfield in the second half.
“I will say tomorrow if this is the situation,” Pochettino said. “At the moment we are evaluating all possibilities just in case. And then we will decide when we have confirmation in one direction or the other this evening.”
There’s no doubt that playing Pulisic would give the Americans their best chance of defeating Australia, but compatriot Weston McKennie provided insight into the team’s thought process.
Christian Pulisic had an assist in the first half of the USMNT World Cup opener against Paraguay. (Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images)
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“Whatever it is, I’m just trying to bring good cheer and hopefully he can be here tomorrow,” McKennie said. “I know he really wants to be, and he’s doing everything he can, and the staff is doing everything they can too. But that’s also another question that’s better to ask him than me. I’m in my own la-la country.”
With Australia beating Turkey in their first World Cup match, this battle between these two teams will determine who takes sole top spot in Group D.
