Christian Pulisic has been ruled out for the United States’ crucial World Cup showdown against Australia today. He will not feature in the USA’s starting lineup and will not even be on the bench. Ricardo Pepi is replacing “Captain America” in the starting eleven. The USMNT captain wasn’t Pulisic, so Tim Ream will continue to wear the armband.
The USMNT forward suffered a calf injury during the team’s 4-1 victory over Paraguay. The coaching staff has confirmed he will not be involved in Friday’s Group D clash, leaving a significant gap in the team’s attacking options. Follow USA vs Australia in our live blog for minute-by-minute updates!
The stakes could hardly be higher. Both the United States and Australia opened the tournament with victories and know that another three points would put them in a commanding position to reach the knockout stage.
When did Christian Pulisic get injured?
Christian Pulisic suffered his calf injury during the week leading up to the World Cup and aggravated the issue in the United States’ opening match against Paraguay on June 12.
Christian Pulisic during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match (Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
The USMNT player was kicked in the back of his left calf during training before the tournament opener, and the problem worsened during the 4-1 victory over Paraguay, forcing him to leave the match at halftime as a precaution.
He had been one of the best players on the field before his substitution. The AC Milan star recorded an assist, helped create an own goal, and was instrumental in the Americans building a 3-0 halftime lead.
After the match, he admitted he was feeling discomfort in the calf area but remained optimistic about his recovery. Since then, he has spent much of the week training separately from the main group while undergoing rehabilitation.
USA lineup without Christian Pulisic
- Goalkeeper
Matt Freese
- Defenders
Sergino Dest
Chris Richards
Antonee Robinson
Tim Ream
Alex Freeman
- Midfield
Tyler Adams
Weston Mckennie
Malik Tillman
- Attack
Ricardo Pepi
Folarin Balogun
- Substitutions
Matt Turner
Chris Brady
Auston Trusty
Miles Robinson
Max Arfsten
Mark Mckenzie
Joe Scally
Giovanni Reyna
Sebastian Berhalter
Cristian Roldan
Brenden Aaronson
Haji Wright
Timothy Weah
Alex Zendejas
