Christian Pulisic injury update: Will USMNT star be ready for Australia World Cup game?
Though the U.S. men’s national team put together a near-perfect performance in its World Cup-opening win against Paraguay on Friday, the USMNT did have an injury concern with its biggest star.
Christian Pulisic was subbed off at halftime despite his lively play throughout the opening 45 minutes. After the match, both head coach Mauricio Pochettino and Pulisic tried frame the substitution decision as precautionary. Pulisic said he was kicked in the back of the calf and hoped to be ready for the Australia match on Friday.
On Monday, we got another update on the USMNT star’s recovery as the second group match loomed in a few days.
Christian Pulisic will be doing a modified training session today.
Currently doing individual work in the gym as the rest of the USMNT start training but he will continue individual work on the field. https://t.co/Nf1m9GnvnZ
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) June 15, 2026
Will Christian Pulisic play on Friday?
According to The Athletic, Pulisic participated in a modified training session on Monday. And though he wasn’t involved in the full practice session, he’ll likely ramp up his activity over the next couple of days.
Some footage of Christian Pulisic working out https://t.co/ldIHgXm5dYpic.twitter.com/p9QIIZYqMl
— jordan mendoza (@jordan_mendoza5) June 15, 2026
Tyler Adams also told reporters on Monday that Pulisic will be fine. Pochettino added that Pulisic is “good.”
When asked how Pulisic is doing, #USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino said “he is good.” #FIFAWorldCup#WorldCup2026pic.twitter.com/AS3zltC6kS
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) June 15, 2026
Given that the AC Milan winger isn’t being held out of training entirely, fans should probably expect to see Pulisic in the lineup for Friday’s match in Seattle. But it remains a story to monitor, especially after the Socceroos’ upset win over Turkey.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Christian Pulisic injury update: Will USMNT star be back for Australia World Cup game?
