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Christian Pulisic tried to get healthy in time for the U.S. men’s national team’s second World Cup match, but a week wasn’t enough.
After injuring his calf in the World Cup opener and barely training all week, the United States won’t have its superstar on the field against Australia.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino announced the news on the FOX Sports pre-match show.
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USMNT star Christian Pulisic was replaced before the second half of the team’s World Cup opener against Paraguay. (Gary Vasquez-Imagn Images)
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.
Pochettino was constantly asked about Pulisic’s status for Friday and remained silent for the most part – obviously, understandably so.
On Thursday, Pochettino said his star player was “much better” than when he was injured and would at least be available for their final group stage match next week against Turkey.
Pochettino said the staff and Pulisic would meet on Thursday evening – apparently, if this meeting took place, it was not promising.
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.
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’s seen done all week: run a modified workout and not participate with the rest of the team during the media portion.
Sebastian Berhalter replaced Pulisic at halftime in the first match, while starting midfielder Malik Tillman improved his already impressive game in Pulisic’s absence.
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.
With a victory, it would be the first time since the very first World Cup that the United States won consecutive matches in the tournament, and they would clinch a place in the round of 16.
United States of America forward Christian Pulisic (10) reacts against Panama during the second half of a CONCACAF Nations League semifinal match at SOFI Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)
But with Pulisic out, the mountain to climb has become a little higher.
