The United States got off to a tremendous start at the 2026 World Cup, with a dominant performance against Paraguay in a 4-1 win on Friday. The team was dynamic, creative, and delivered perhaps its best performance yet at a World Cup.
However, there is concern about the status of star forward Christian Pulisic.
Pulisic was replaced at halftime against Paraguay, after he was kicked in the left calf, reaggravating a training injury he picked up in the days before the World Cup. Following the match, Pulisic downplayed the injury.
“I just got a bit of a kick first half, so I’m really hoping that it’s nothing,” Pulisic told Fox Sports. “Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I’m hoping I’ll be fine the next few days.
“Just the back of my leg, my calf area. But I’ve had similar things before, and I’m staying positive. I don’t think it’s anything at all.”
The next USMNT match is against Australia on Friday, but there are expectations around the team that Pulisic will be available.
Teammate Tyler Adams as well as manager Mauricio Pochettino were among those offering positive updates.
“Christian will be ready, everyone. Let’s relax,” Adams said before the team’s training session on Monday.
“I think that he picked up a knock a few days before the game, and I think he got kicked in the same spot again during the game. And when you go in at halftime, things obviously get tight within the 15, 20 minute break. But he’ll be fine.”
“Good,” was how Pochettino described the USMNT’s status.
On Tuesday, Tim Weah offered an update of his own. “He looks normal, he’s fit,” said the USMNT winger. “He works with the trainers on the side, but I think he’ll be ready for the game.”
Officially, Pulisic is listed as “day-to-day:”
According to an update from Jenny Taft during FOX Sports’ coverage of the France-Senegal match on Tuesday, Pulisic worked with trainers again off to the side on Tuesday, ahead of Friday’s match against Australia.
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