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As the US men’s national soccer team looks to build on its emphatic 4-1 win over Paraguay when it faces Australia on Friday, the biggest question surrounding the Americans is whether “Captain America” will be on the field at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Christian Pulisic’s injury status has loomed large over this team despite their strong start at home to the tournament. 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.
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino was once again asked about Christian Pulisic’s status ahead of Friday’s game, but he offered little insight into the condition of the star’s left calf.
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Christian Pulisic of the United States takes part in a training session for the 2026 World Cup at Great Sports Park in Irvine, California on June 17, 2026. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
“He’s developing,” Pochettino replied, according to the New York Post. “He’s much better from Friday. We’ll see.
“I think at the moment we think if he’s not available tomorrow he’ll be available for the next game.”
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. He will meet with the training staff on Thursday night to discuss Pulisic’s status.
“I think for every player who loves his country, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy and help the team win games,” he said. “When this type of thing happens, it’s always painful, but I think Christian is strong, with a great mentality and is making a great effort to try to be ready.”
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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 this week – performing a modified training session and not participating with the rest of the team during the media portion.
Pochettino would not say who would replace Pulisic if he is unable to play against Australia on Friday, although Malik Tillman switched to left wing after Pulisic left Paraguay, while Sebastian Berhalter moved into the midfield role in the second half.
“I will tell tomorrow if that is the situation,” Pochettino said. “At the moment we’re evaluating all options just in case. And then we’ll decide when we have confirmation one way or the other tonight.”
There’s no doubt that Pulisic play would give the Americans their best chance to defeat Australia, but co-star Weston McKennie offered a glimpse 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 Photos)
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“Anyway, just trying to cheer up and hopefully he can be there tomorrow,” McKennie said. “I know he really wants to be, and he’s doing everything he can, and the staff are doing everything they can, too. But that’s another question too, which is better to put to him before me. I’m in my own la-la land.”
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.
