Christian Pulisic injury update: USMNT explains injury scare and World Cup future

Christian Pulisic injury update: USMNT explains injury scare and World Cup future originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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With the U.S. downing Paraguay 4-1 in their first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, nothing could dampen the spirits of the USMNT fans as excitement for the rest of the tournament soared to new heights.

Well, almost nothing.

The mysterious withdrawal of superstar Christian Pulisic left many fans knowing that the remainder of the tournament could be in jeopardy if Pulisic were to miss time due to injury, and his fitness must be protected at all costs.

With fears of an injury absence running rampant as U.S. Soccer refused to clarify things immediately, fans were left to wonder and worry about his health.

The Sporting News explains what happened to Pulisic and why he was substituted off, plus what his status could be for the upcoming match against Australia as Group D play continues.

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What happened to Christian Pulisic?

With USMNT fans flying high as the co-hosts led their World Cup opener 3-0 at the halftime break, it was a splash of cold water to the face when superstar Christian Pulisic did not emerge along with the rest of the team for the second half.

Instead, Pulisic was replaced by Sebastian Berhalter to begin the final 45 minutes, leaving fans and media alike wondering what was going on.

After the match, Pulisic finally shed light on his mysterious substitution.

“I just got a bit of a kick in the first half, so I’m really hoping that it’s nothing,” Pulisic said after the game. “I’m taking a little bit of precautions today, but I’m hoping I’ll be fine in the next few days.”

He then specified where he was feeling the pain. “My calf area. But I’ve had similar things before, and yeah, I’m staying positive.”

MORE:USMNT player grades for the victory over Paraguay to begin the 2026 World Cup

What did Mauricio Pochettino say about Christian Pulisic injury?

Mauricio Pochettino refused to speak on Pulisic’s injury during the game, leaving Fox sideline reporter Jenny Taft to speculate along with the rest of the fanbase.

After the match, the USMNT head coach echoed Pulisic’s story almost exactly.

“We didn’t want to take any risks,” Pochettino told the media, saying that Pulisic took a kick in the calf and started to tighten up. Pochettino also used the word “precaution” in referring to the substitution.

🇺🇸 Mauricio Pochettino tells FOX that Christian Pulisic got a kick in the calf and started to feel tight:

“We didn’t want to take any risks.”

Pulisic adds he was “subbed off as a precaution.” pic.twitter.com/JgD7gQv1Ee

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) June 13, 2026

Will Christian Pulisic play against Australia?

At this point, it’s hard to say whether Christian Pulisic will play against Australia in the second Group D match for the United States at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Pulisic seemed to downplay the injury, but it’s possible that Mauricio Pochettino plays it safe with his star winger, and keeps him on the bench to begin the second group match, knowing the most difficult and important game comes after in the group finale against Turkey.

All eyes will be on Pulisic’s status over the next few days as the U.S. team trains at their base in California before heading to Seattle for the match against Australia on Friday, June 19. Accordinbg to Pochettino, Pulisic will “hopefully be ready.”

USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino talks about the big win and gives an update on Christian Pulisic 🗣️#FIFAWorldCup#WorldCuppic.twitter.com/uDD6A7L4bh

— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 13, 2026

MORE USMNT NEWS:

USMNT World Cup schedule

With three points in the bag for the United States in their Group D opener, they will move on to play Australia next in one week.

After that, they will wrap up group stage play against Turkey, arguably the toughest of their three group matches.

DateTime (ET)MatchLocationFri, Jun. 129 p.m.United States 4-1 ParaguaySoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)Fri, Jun. 193 p.m.United States vs. AustraliaLumen Field (Seattle, WA)Thu, Jun. 2510 p.m.Turkey vs. United StatesSoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)