Pochettino gives Christian Pulisic calf injury update before Australia
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As the U.S. men’s national soccer team looks to build on its impressive 4-1 victory over Paraguay to face Australia on Friday, the biggest question surrounding the Americans is whether “Captain America” will take the field at Seattle’s Lumen Field.
Despite a strong start to the tournament on home soil, Christian Pulisic’s injury has had a huge impact on this team. Pulisic, who made an assist in the Paraguay win, suffered a calf injury after the first half last week, which caused him to leave the game.
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino was asked once again about Christian Pulisic’s condition ahead of Friday’s match, but he offered little information about the condition of the star’s left calf.
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Christian Pulisic of the United States participates in training for the 2026 World Cup at the Great Sports Park on June 17, 2026 in Irvine, California. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
“It’s improving,” Pochettino replied. New York Post. “Much better as of Friday. We’ll see.”
“I think right now we think if he’s not available tomorrow he’ll be available for the next game.”
Pochettino added that Pulisic “made a great effort to be ready” and that he understood that the US star wanted to be on the field with his other teammates. He will meet with the training staff on Thursday night to discuss Pulisic’s situation.
“I think for every player who loves his country, this is a great opportunity to enjoy it and help the team win games,” he said. “It’s always painful when something like this happens, but I think Christian is strong, has a great mentality and has made a tremendous effort to be ready.”
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US forward Christian Pulisic controls the ball past Paraguayan midfielder Andrés Cubas during the first half of the 2026 FIFA World Cup 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’s been seen doing this week; He performed a modified training session and did not join the rest of the team in the media section.
Pochettino did not say who would replace Pulisic if he is unable to play against Australia on Friday, but after Pulisic came off against Paraguay, Malik Tillman moved to the left wing while Sebastian Berhalter moved into a midfield role in the second half.
“I will tell you tomorrow whether this is the case or not,” Pochettino said. “We are currently evaluating all possibilities just in case. Then tonight we will decide when to get approval in one direction or another.”
There’s no doubt that Pulisic playing would give the Americans their best chance to beat Australia, but fellow star Weston McKennie offered an insight 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 Images)
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“Either way, I’m just trying to give morale a boost and hopefully he can be there tomorrow,” McKennie said. “I know he really wants to be like this, and he’s doing everything he can, and the staff is doing everything they can, too. But that’s also another question that’s better to ask him than me. I’m in my own la-la country.”
While Australia defeated Türkiye in its first match of the World Cup, this match between the two teams will determine who will come first in Group D.
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