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Christian Pulisic tried to get healthy in time for the U.S. men’s national team’s second World Cup game, but a week wasn’t enough time.
After injuring his calf in the World Cup opener and barely practicing all week, the U.S. will be without its superstar on the field against Australia.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino announced the news on FOX Sports’ pregame show.
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USMNT star Christian Pulisic was ruled out before the second half of the team’s World Cup opener against Paraguay. (Gary Vasquez-Imagn Photos)
Pulisic, who had an assist in the win over Paraguay, picked up a calf injury that kept him out after the first half last week.
Pochettino was constantly asked about Pulisic’s status for Friday and remained mostly mum – obviously, understandably.
On Thursday, Pochettino said his star player was “much better” than when he sustained the injury and would at least be available for their final group stage game next week against Turkey.
Pochettino said the staff and Pulisic would meet on Thursday evening – apparently, if that meeting took place, it was not promising.
Pochettino added that Pulisic is “making a massive effort to be ready,” understanding that the American star wants to be out on the pitch with the rest of his teammates.
United States forward Christian Pulisic controls the ball past Paraguay midfielder Andrés Cubas during the first half of a FIFA World Cup 2026 match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. (Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)
During the team’s practice on Thursday, Pulisic did much of what he has been seen doing all week – performing a modified training session and not participating with the rest of the team during the media portion.
Sebastian Berhalter came on at halftime for Pulisic in the opener, while starting midfielder Malik Tillman upped his already impressive game in Pulisic’s absence.
With Australia defeating Türkiye in their first World Cup match, this match between these two teams will decide who alone holds the top spot in Group D.
A win would mark the first time since the very first World Cup that the US won back-to-back games in the tournament and would clinch a spot in the knockout round.
United States 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 Photos)
But with Pulisic out, the mountain to climb just got a little higher.
