As a consequence, he also missed the second group-stage match against Australia as Mauricio Pochettino and the medical staff chose not to risk aggravating the injury.

With the United States already qualified for the Round of 32 and guaranteed to finish first in Group D, the coaching staff once again has no reason to rush Pulisic back into action. A win, tie or loss won’t change much for the USMNT today.

Is Christian Pulisic playing against Turkiye?

Christian Pulisic is not starting against Turkiye. After missing the match against Australia because of his calf injury, the USMNT takes a cautious approach with the captain. Since the USA have already secured both qualification to the Round of 32 and first place in Group D, there is no competitive urgency to risk Pulisic before the knockout stage. Those in attendance for USA vs Turkiye will miss him, but the decision makes sense.

Why isn’t Christian Pulisic starting vs Turkiye?

It’s Mauricio Pochettino’s decision. Rather than rushing him back into the starting lineup, the USA are focused on having the captain available for the Round of 32.

Could Pulisic play against Turkiye?

Pulisic will be on the bench though, so he can still play some minutes against Turkiye as a substitute. The USA’s FIFA ranking is already strong and the team is capable of going through this match without its biggest star.

Will Pulisic be ready for the Round of 32?

That is the expectation. Everything suggests the United States are managing Pulisic’s workload with the knockout stage in mind. If his recovery continues as planned, the USMNT captain should be available when the United States begin their Round of 32 campaign, where every match becomes win-or-go-home.

“I think he’ll be back for Turkiye, but the only caveat is now the game means nothing because they’ve already won the group. Turkiye failing to beat Paraguay, US men’s national team winning their first two games and it’s head-to-head by the way as well, not goal difference,” the journalist Ben Jacobs said on TalkSPORT.

He continued: “…So, Pulisic is expected to be back. It’s just a kick to the back of the calf. But now that game doesn’t mean that much. Maybe it’d be more prudent for Mauricio Pochettino to wait to rest him and then bring him back for that round of 32 game.”

What happened to Pulisic?

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, USMNT star Christian Pulisic, who is not the team’s captain, suffered a left calf injury that forced him out of action. The winger initially felt discomfort after receiving a heavy kick to the back of his leg during a training session prior to the tournament opener against Paraguay on June 12.

Although he started that match and provided a crucial assist, the injury aggravated and his muscles seized up at halftime, forcing an early substitution. After training individually and missing full team sessions all week, head coach Mauricio Pochettino officially ruled Pulisic out of the June 19 fixture against Australia, choosing to rest his star attacker in hopes of having him fully recovered for the final group-stage match against Turkiye.

What’s next for the USMNT?

For the final matchday of Group D at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the USMNT will face Turkiye on June 25, 2026. This final group stage encounter will take place at the Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) in Inglewood, California.

Having already secured their ticket to the knockout rounds with wins over Paraguay and Australia, Mauricio Pochettino‘s squad will look to close out the group stage with a perfect record in front of a heavily pro-USA crowd.

The American squad currently holds three points and one of the best goal differences in the group thanks to its dominant performance in the opening match. That strong start means the USMNT could secure qualification with a game to spare depending on what happens against the Socceroos.

With Turkiye and Paraguay also battling for qualification, every point could prove decisive in determining which nations advance directly to the knockout stage and which teams may need to rely on one of the eight third-place spots available in the expanded tournament format. Follow our live blog of USA vs Australia for minute-by-minute coverage and updates.

What happens if USA wins vs Australia?

If the United States defeats Australia, the USMNT would move to six points and officially secure a place in the Round of 32. A victory would also put the Americans in an excellent position to finish first in Group D.

While the final standings would still depend on the result between Turkiye and Paraguay, six points would give the USMNT a commanding advantage heading into the final round of group-stage matches.

Qualifying with a game to spare would allow the United States to focus on securing the top spot rather than worrying about advancement. There’s a lot at stake in Seattle.

What happens if USA ties vs Australia?

A draw would move the United States to four points after two matches. In that scenario, the Americans would be extremely close to qualifying for the Round of 32.

Since the eight best third-place teams also advance, four points combined with the strong goal difference generated by the opening victory over Paraguay would leave the United States in a very favorable position.

While qualification would not yet be mathematically guaranteed, the USMNT would enter the final group-stage match with multiple paths to the knockout rounds.

What happens if USA loses vs Australia?

A loss would leave the United States with three points and significantly complicate all chances of winning Group D. Although three points could still be enough to keep the Americans in contention for a Round of 32 berth, they would likely need at least a draw in their final group-stage match against Turkiye to avoid relying on other results.

Losing to Australia would also increase the pressure on the USMNT heading into Matchday 3 and could turn the showdown with Turkiye into a must-get-result encounter.

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.

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

“[Pulisic] was training individually the whole week. Tonight, we have a meeting with our medical staff,” Pochettino revealed, as reported by Ben Jacobs on X. “We will assess the whole group, and tomorrow we will communicate [if he’s going to play]. He’s evolving and much better from Friday.“

Coming off a superb team performance during the USA’s 4-1 victory over Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup debut—in which Pulisic was subbed off at the break—the USMNT is ready to put on another outing for the ages against the Socceroos.

However, whether Pulisic is available or not could play a major role. Still, Pochettino has the utmost confidence in the rest of the squad, and even if Pulisic is left out of the lineup as a precaution, the medical staff expect him to return sooner rather than later.

Pulisic could be back for final group-stage match

Amid the uncertainty, however, teammates Tim Weah and Tyler Adams expect Pulisic to play against Australia. Although “Poch” didn’t dare predict if Pulisic would be cleared for the showdown at Seattle Stadium, he did drop a blunt statement. If “Captain America” isn’t active against the Land Down Under, he will certainly be on the lineup to play against The Crescent Stars.

“We will see. If not available [against Australia], he’ll be back for Turkiye,” Pochettino confidently told reporters. “He’s doing a massive effort to be available. For a player that loves their country it’s a massive opportunity to play and win games. So when this happens it’s painful, but Christian is strong with a great mentality.”

For the time being, though, Pulisic’s presence versus Australia remains uncertain. What’s crystal clear, on the other hand, is that the US Men’s National Team needs him. Regardless, the Stars and Stripes can hold their ground. Against Paraguay, they proved they could do just fine without Pulisic. Still, everything feels easier when he’s on the pitch.

USMNT’s remaining fixture in 2026 World Cup

• vs Australia on June 19 at Seattle Stadium at 3:00 p.m. ET.
• vs Turkiye on June 25 at Los Angeles Stadium at 10:00 p.m. ET.

“Christian will be ready… let’s relax,” Adams said recently to the press. Pulisic, who suffered a calf injury, still has an uncertain availability for the match against Australia. Weah, for his part, also spoke about his teammate’s condition: “He looks normal, he’s fit.”

The level shown by Mauricio Pochettino’s team was outstanding, although the absence of its star player could prove significant. Will the number 10 be available alongside his teammates on matchday 2 of the 2026 World Cup?

More details on Pulisic’s injury

During the USMNT’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Paraguay in its World Cup opener, Christian Pulisic was substituted at halftime after suffering a left calf injury from a heavy kick in the first half. While he managed to log an assist and force an own goal before exiting, the star forward has since been placed on a “day-to-day” status and is currently participating in modified, individual training sessions away from the main group.

What’s next for USMNT?

USMNT’s path through Group D continues this Friday, June 19, when it faces Australia at Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field), in a high-stakes clash between the group’s top two teams. There, Mauricio Pochettino will rely heavily on the elite leadership of Tyler Adams and the attacking spark of Tim Weah.

Looking ahead, the U.S. squad will wrap up the group stage on Thursday, June 25, returning to the Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) to take on Turkey, making this upcoming two-game stretch crucial for Pochettino’s key foundational players to solidify their dominance and secure a prime spot in the knockout rounds.

Tom Bogert, via his X account, reported that U.S. Soccer has confirmed Pulisic’s status as “day by day,” with no clear timeline yet for his availability. On Monday, however, Mauricio Pochettino provided a good sign on Pulisic’s status.

His calf injury is a major concern for the player, who recently worked in modified training. The team’s star has played a key role in its debut, and his presence against Australia next Friday could be decisive.

What happened to Pulisic?

During the USMNT‘s 2026 World Cup opening match, Christian Pulisic suffered a calf injury after taking a hard kick to the back of his left leg in the first half. While he managed to finish the half and even recorded an assist, the AC Milan forward experienced stiffness and was subbed off at halftime as a precautionary measure.

He had previously picked up a knock in the same area during training just days before the game, which aggravated the soreness when he was hit again during the match.

What’s next for the USMNT?

Following its opening Group D match, the USMNT will continue its 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage campaign with two key matchups. First, it will face Australia on June 19, 2026, at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, Washington.

Following that, it will wrap up the group stage against Turkiye on June 25, 2026, at Los Angeles Stadium in Los Angeles, California.

Following Monday’s training session, Jenny Taft of FOX Sports reported that Pochettino provided a positive update on Pulisic.

“Mauricio Pochettino came over to tell us he is good, so a good sign for Christian Pulisic ahead of their match against Australia on Friday,” Taft said, adding that Pulisic had a modified training and did individual work.

Pulisic’s halftime exit in USA’s 2026 World Cup debut raised concern

Pulisic stole the show in the first half of the USA’s 4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles, helping the team go to the break with a 3-0 lead. However, “Captain America” was nowhere to be seen in the second half.

Pochettino brought some relief by explaining that Pulisic was subbed off as a precautionary measure, pointing to a knock he suffered right before halftime.

USMNT fans breathed an even bigger collective sigh of relief when Pulisic himself provided an update, letting everyone know that it wasn’t something serious.

In fact, the former Chelsea star dared to address his availability for USA vs. Australia. Even though he couldn’t guarantee it 100%, Pulisic suggested that he’d be ready for the USA’s second group stage match.

USA’s next game will be crucial for Group D standings

The USMNT is leading Group D with 3 points and a +3 goal differential thanks to its comprehensive victory over Paraguay, followed by Australia, who upset Turkiye 2-0 on Sunday. The USA and Australia clash on Friday, June 19, at 3:00 PM (ET) at Seattle Stadium.

Pulisic was substituted at halftime despite helping Mauricio Pochettino’s side build a comfortable three-goal advantage. His early exit immediately sparked concerns about his status for the Americans’ second group-stage match against Australia on Friday in Seattle.

Fortunately for the United States, Pulisic moved quickly to ease those concerns following the final whistle. Before leaving the stadium, Pulisic spoke with FOX Sports and addressed his condition after being removed as a precaution due to discomfort in his left calf. “I’m gonna give everything I can to be back, that’s for sure. I’m not going to give you 100%, but yeah, I’ll be there.”

Why was Christian Pulisic substituted against Paraguay?

Christian Pulisic was taken off at halftime because of an issue involving his left calf. With the United States leading 3-0 after the opening 45 minutes, Mauricio Pochettino’s staff opted to protect their star player rather than risk aggravating the injury during the second half of the World Cup opener.

Will Christian Pulisic play against Australia?

Yes. Based on Christian Pulisic’s comments after the match, there is optimism that he will be available for Friday’s showdown with Australia in Seattle. The USMNT took first place of Group D, but securing another three points will give the team a ticket for the knockout stage. For that reason, all eyes will remain on Pulisic’s recovery throughout the week.

Following the match, Mauricio Pochettino revealed that it was nothing serious, but there were still no firsthand words until Pulisic came out to provide the update that the fans were waiting for.

“I just got a bit of a kick in the first half. I’m hoping that it’s nothing, taking precaution,” Pulisic said postgame, via Jonathan Tannenwald of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

“Back of my leg, sort of my left calf area. Staying positive, I don’t think it’s anything,” added Pulisic, who also addressed his availability for USA vs. Australia on Matchday 2.

Pulisic’s great performance in the debut

Pulisic said the knock happened to his left leg. Before his substitution, the 27-year-old was sharp in the first half, with his silky dribble past two defenders ultimately setting up the U.S. opener, an own goal by Damian Bobadilla in the seventh minute.

In addition to his participation in the first goal that opened the scoring for USA, before being substituted and despite Balogun’s brace, it could be said that Pulisic was the most unbalancing player and the best among those led by Pochettino.

He had already caused two bookings on his flank for Paraguay, to full back Juan Jose Caceres and defender Gustavo Gomez. He was truly uncontainable and highly unbalancing, forming a great partnership with Antonee Robinson, who did whatever he wanted.

Finally, the USA remain very well positioned in the standings with this first victory, beyond the 3 points, carrying a +3 goal differential, something that is extremely important in a World Cup, and they now await the match between Turkiye and Australia.

“He (Pulisic) received a kick at the end of the first half, started to feel tired, didn’t want to take any risks,” Pochettino said during the postgame press conference before Christian Pulisic himself provided an update. Hence, it was all about playing the long game for the manager. He didn’t want to risk losing his best player in a game where Folarin Balogun scored a brace to lead the USA to win over Paraguay.

The USMNT ended up winning comfortably as it showed an intensity Paraguay was not prepared for. Pulisic was at the forefront of that intensity. His speed was too much for Paraguay to handle and in 45 minutes, he swayed the game in USA’s direction. Now, it’s on to the next game against Australia.

This was a much-needed performance by USA

The USMNT didn’t have that much hype coming into the 2026 World Cup. In fact, it lost three of the last four games prior to the tournament starting. The team sometimes looked lost and a bit messy. That was not the case against Paraguay. The team looked like a well-oiled machine.

This also brings plenty of peace and momentum to manager Mauricio Pochettino, who was in the eye of the storm ahead of the tournament. He has reminded everyone why he was one of the most-wanted managers in Europe back in the day.

This win puts the USMNT in prime position for the 2026 World Cup KO stages

A win like this does many wonders for the USMNT. First, it puts all the competition on notice, USA is not here to play lightly, it’s an aggressive team. Then, it not only adds three points to its tally on Group D standings, but with the +3 Goal Difference, it almost secures the USA as a team that will advance to the next stage.

Additional points in the next games will all but ensure it. The USMNT is undoubtedly the most in-form World Cup team to date. Its electric performance was a sight to behold, as it came against Paraguay in what has become one of USA’s biggest wins in FIFA World Cup history. The USMNT made it look easy.