USMNT beats Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup opener; Pulisic injury precautionary
The USMNT defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage opener at SoFi Stadium. Goals came from Folarin Balogun (2), an own goal, and Gio Reyna. Star player Christian Pulisic was substituted at halftime as a precaution after taking a kick to the calf, but coach Mauricio Pochettino expects him to be ready for the next match against Australia in Seattle. Pochettino praised the team's collective performance and the passionate fan support.
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USMNT Star Christian Pulisic Fractures Leg in World Cup Loss to Belgium
Christian Pulisic, star player for the US Men's National Team (USMNT) and AC Milan, fractured his right leg during a 4-1 World Cup round-of-16 loss to Belgium on July 6, 2026. According to a person familiar with the injury, Pulisic sustained a bone bruise and a microfracture of his tibia and fibula. The injury occurred in the 52nd minute when he collided with Belgium captain Youri Tielemans while attempting a shot. Despite hobbling, Pulisic remained in the game until being substituted in the 59th minute. He is expected to resume training before AC Milan's Serie A opener against Torino on August 23. Pulisic, who turns 28 in September, failed to score in the World Cup, missing one match due to a calf injury and leaving two others early. He has 30 goals in 90 international appearances.
Yardbarker: SoccerU.S. star Christian Pulisic in starting lineup vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Christian Pulisic, the U.S. men's national team star, is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's World Cup round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California. Pulisic had been limited by a left calf injury since the team's World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 12, when he scored and assisted before being injured. He missed the following match against Australia but returned as a substitute against Turkey on June 25, playing 33 minutes. Pulisic, 27, is the USMNT's active scoring leader with 33 international goals and 21 assists in 88 matches. The U.S. won their first two group matches before losing 3-2 to Turkey. The winner of this match will face Belgium in the round of 16 on July 6 in Seattle. The U.S. lineup also includes four players returning from yellow card concerns: Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, and Antonee Robinson.
Yardbarker: SoccerChristian Pulisic declares himself fit for USMNT vs Bosnia World Cup knockout match
Christian Pulisic, captain of the U.S. men's national soccer team, has declared himself fully fit and ready to play in the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 1. Pulisic has been managing a nagging calf injury that limited his playing time throughout the tournament, including a 32-minute appearance in the loss to Turkey on June 25. Speaking during Tuesday's training session, the 27-year-old AC Milan star said he felt great in the last game and is 'definitely ready to go.' He also expressed confidence in the team's preparation, citing experience from previous World Cups. Pulisic recorded one assist in the USMNT's 4-1 victory over Paraguay earlier in the tournament. The article notes that while he has not made the impact many expected, high hopes remain for the No. 10 following a successful Serie A season.
Yardbarker: SoccerChristian Pulisic Ready for Full Duty as USMNT Enter Knockout Stage
Christian Pulisic has declared himself fit to play 90 minutes or even 120 minutes in the United States Men's National Team's World Cup round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, scheduled for Wednesday night in Santa Clara, California. The 27-year-old AC Milan forward sustained a calf injury on June 12 against Paraguay but returned as a substitute against Turkey on June 25, playing 33 minutes. Pulisic expressed confidence in his fitness, though he remained uncertain about starting. He is the USMNT's active scoring leader with 33 international goals and 21 assists in 88 matches. The US team won its first two Group D matches before losing to Turkey, while Bosnia advanced as a third-place team from Group B. Pulisic acknowledged the challenge, noting the difficulty of knockout-stage matches and the need for a strong performance.
Yardbarker: SoccerPulisic declares full fitness for USMNT World Cup knockout clash vs. Bosnia
Christian Pulisic has declared himself fully fit to play 90 or even 120 minutes for the USMNT against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup round of 32. The 27-year-old AC Milan winger missed the group stage win over Australia due to a calf contusion/strain but returned as a substitute in the loss to Turkey, playing 33 minutes. Pulisic stated he feels 'definitely ready to go' and has not played a full match since mid-March. His expected return allows head coach Mauricio Pochettino to field the same starting XI that beat Paraguay in the tournament opener, including goalkeeper Matt Freese, defender Antonee Robinson, midfielder Tyler Adams, and forward Folarin Balogun. The match kicks off at 5 p.m. local time at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Soccer - The AthleticChristian Pulisic declares fitness for USMNT World Cup knockout match vs Bosnia
Christian Pulisic, USMNT star winger, has declared himself fully fit to play 90 or even 120 minutes in the World Cup round-of-32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, 2026. Pulisic missed the second group game against Australia due to a calf contusion/strain suffered in the tournament opener against Paraguay. He returned as a substitute against Turkey in the final group game, playing 33 minutes and looking sharp. The 27-year-old AC Milan player has not played a full match since mid-March but expressed confidence in his readiness. His availability allows head coach Mauricio Pochettino to field the same starting XI that beat Paraguay, including goalkeeper Matt Freese, defenders Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, and Antonee Robinson; midfielders Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman, and Weston McKennie; forward Folarin Balogun; and winger Sergiño Dest.
Soccer - The AthleticPochettino Prioritizes Pulisic's Fitness Over USMNT Loss to Turkey
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino stated that getting Christian Pulisic back to full fitness was as important as winning their World Cup match against Turkey, which ended in a 3-2 defeat in Los Angeles. The USMNT had already secured advancement from Group D, so the loss had minimal impact on their campaign. Pulisic, who had been sidelined with a calf injury since the opener against Paraguay, played 32 minutes and showed positive signs. Pochettino emphasized the 27-year-old AC Milan star's importance ahead of the round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco. Pulisic had previously contributed to two goals in the team's 4-1 win over Paraguay.
Yardbarker: SoccerUSMNT World Cup: Pulisic Eyes Return as USA Chases a Perfect Group Stage
The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) has already secured a spot in the knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup, sitting atop Group D with six points after wins over Paraguay (4-1) and Australia (2-0). The team now faces Türkiye in the group stage finale, with the primary focus being the return of captain Christian Pulisic from a left calf injury. Pulisic missed the Australia match but has returned to full training and stated he is ready to play, though likely not a full 90 minutes. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino praised Pulisic's recovery effort and is expected to manage his minutes carefully to ensure he is fresh for the knockout stage. The match against Türkiye remains important for maintaining momentum, securing a favorable knockout draw, and evaluating fringe players.
Yardbarker: SoccerPochettino: Pulisic available for USMNT match against Turkey
In a press conference held on June 25, 2026, Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of the United States men's national soccer team (USMNT), announced that star attacker Christian Pulisic is fit and available for selection. Pulisic had been sidelined due to a calf injury and missed the team's previous match, a 2-0 victory over Australia. The announcement comes ahead of the USMNT's upcoming friendly against Turkey, scheduled for Friday at 4 AM. Pochettino's update confirms that Pulisic has recovered and will be able to contribute to the team's preparations.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuChristian Pulisic practices, on track for USMNT group stage finale
Christian Pulisic practiced with the U.S. men's national team on Monday, marking his first team workout since straining his left calf in the World Cup-opening 4-1 win over Paraguay on June 12. He worked without the protective calf sleeve he wore in earlier individual sessions. The USMNT has already secured knockout stage advancement with a 2-0 record in Group D. Coach Mauricio Pochettino praised Pulisic's 'massive effort' to recover and indicated he 'will be available for the next game' against Turkey on Thursday. Pochettino confirmed Pulisic is 'much better' after being subbed at halftime against Paraguay. The update comes ahead of the group stage finale, with no official game status decision yet made.
Yardbarker: SoccerChristian Pulisic's absence highlights USMNT adaptability and depth in World Cup win over Australia
The US men's national team defeated Australia 2-0 in Seattle to secure a place in the World Cup knockout stage, despite star forward Christian Pulisic being sidelined with a calf injury. The victory demonstrated the team's adaptability and depth, with contributions from players like Folarin Balogun, Weston McKennie, Sergiño Dest, Malik Tillman, Alex Freeman, and Chris Richards. Coach Mauricio Pochettino's lineup of 11 trusted players overwhelmed Australia, proving the squad is more than just Pulisic. The team celebrated its collective performance, with over 66,000 fans in attendance. Pulisic joined the post-match salute. The win followed a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay. The analysis underscores that the USMNT has evolved into a deep, cohesive unit capable of performing without its biggest star.
Soccer - The AthleticChristian Pulisic's Absence Highlights USMNT Adaptability in World Cup Win
The USMNT defeated Australia 2-0 in Seattle to clinch advancement to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup, despite star player Christian Pulisic being sidelined with a left calf injury. The article argues that Pulisic's absence did not expose weaknesses but instead showcased the team's depth and adaptability. Players like Folarin Balogun, Weston McKennie, Sergiño Dest, Malik Tillman, and defenders Alex Freeman and Chris Richards stepped up. Coach Mauricio Pochettino's lineup, revealed without fanfare two-and-a-half hours before kickoff, produced a dominant performance in front of 66,925 fans. The victory silenced concerns about over-reliance on Pulisic and demonstrated that the collective team is the true star.
Soccer - The AthleticPochettino Says Pulisic Injury Makes World Cup Win 'Difficult', Stresses Team Depth
Following the USA's 2-0 victory over Australia in the 2026 World Cup, manager Mauricio Pochettino addressed the media about star winger Christian Pulisic's calf injury. Pulisic was sidelined for the match after being substituted in the previous game against Paraguay. Pochettino admitted it was 'difficult' to bench Pulisic, calling him 'one of the best players in the world,' but emphasized that winning the tournament requires the whole team. He expressed hope Pulisic would recover for the final group stage match against Turkey. The article notes that if Turkey fails to beat Paraguay, Pochettino might rest Pulisic further.
Yardbarker: SoccerUSA vs Australia FIFA World Cup 2026: USMNT Star Christian Pulisic Ruled Out Due to Calf Injury
Christian Pulisic, star attacker for the United States Men's National Team (USMNT), has been ruled out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match against Australia due to a left calf injury. U.S. coach Maurice Pochettino announced the decision during a Fox interview approximately 90 minutes before kickoff at Lumen Field in Seattle. Pulisic, 27, sustained the injury after being kicked in the back of the left calf during a training session ahead of the match, which led to tightness during the team's previous game against Paraguay. He left that match at halftime, which the U.S. won 4-1, and trained alone in the lead-up to the game against Australia. Pulisic has scored 33 goals in 87 international appearances for the USMNT.
Yardbarker: SoccerChristian Pulisic Ruled Out for USMNT World Cup Match vs. Australia Due to Calf Injury
USMNT star Christian Pulisic will not play in Friday's FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match against Australia due to a calf injury. Coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed the decision to FOX Sports, stating 'Christian is not available.' Pulisic aggravated the calf issue in the first half of the USA's 4-1 win over Paraguay on June 12, where he recorded an assist before being substituted at halftime. Pochettino expressed hope that Pulisic could return for the next match against Turkiye on June 25 at SoFi Stadium. The USA remains heavy favorites against Australia despite his absence.
Yardbarker: SoccerChristian Pulisic Injury Update Ahead of USMNT vs Australia World Cup Clash
The United States Men's National Team defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their World Cup opener at SoFi Stadium, but captain Christian Pulisic was forced off at halftime after a blow to his lower leg. Pulisic has since missed three training sessions due to a calf problem and has been doing individualized workouts with a protective sleeve on his left leg. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino said a final decision on Pulisic's availability for Friday's match against Australia will come after further medical evaluation. Pulisic expressed optimism, stating he has had similar issues before and believes it is not serious. The team faces a balancing act between fielding their strongest lineup and protecting the star player's long-term fitness in a crucial group-stage match where a win could secure top spot.
Yardbarker: SoccerChristian Pulisic 'trying to be ready' for critical US-Australia World Cup match
The availability of USMNT star winger Christian Pulisic will be determined before the critical Group D World Cup showdown against Australia in Seattle on Friday. Pulisic sustained a left calf injury and was subbed at halftime of the 4-1 victory over Paraguay on June 12. He has been limited to individual training and has not participated in full team sessions. Coach Mauricio Pochettino said Pulisic is 'doing a massive effort trying to be ready' but a final decision will be made after a medical meeting. If unavailable, options include Sebastian Berhalter, Gio Reyna, Tim Weah, Brenden Aaronson, or Alejandro Zendejas. Australia, coming off a 2-0 upset win over Turkey, is motivated by perceived disrespect from US media. Both teams can advance to the Round of 32 with a win, and the group winner will be determined by results in the other Group D match between Paraguay and Turkey.
Yardbarker: SoccerPochettino Provides Pulisic Injury Update and Praises Messi's World Cup Debut
United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino provided an update on Christian Pulisic's injury ahead of the team's World Cup match against Australia. Pulisic left the field at halftime during the USA's 4-1 thrashing of Paraguay due to a knock. Pochettino stated that Pulisic has been training individually and will be evaluated by medical staff, with a decision on his availability for the Australia match to be announced the following day. If unavailable, Pulisic is expected to return for the match against Turkey. Pochettino also praised his compatriot Lionel Messi, whom he coached at Paris Saint-Germain, after Messi debuted in the World Cup with a hat-trick. Pochettino called Messi 'the best without a doubt' and said it was 'unbelievable to see him,' while reaffirming his commitment to the United States team.
FútbolChristian Pulisic injury update: USMNT star participates in modified training ahead of Australia World Cup match
Two days before the United States' crucial World Cup Group D match against Australia, FOX Sports reporter Jenny Taft provided an update on star attacker Christian Pulisic's left calf injury. Pulisic, who exited the USMNT's opening win over Paraguay at halftime, was seen participating in a modified training session on Wednesday. He wore a sleeve on his calf and worked with medical staff, appearing to move well. Taft described him as day-to-day but noted this was the most action he had seen all week. A win against Australia would put the US in strong position to win their group for only the third time in history (after 1930 and 2010), especially with a three-goal cushion on goal differential.
Yardbarker: SoccerChristian Pulisic misses group training, raising injury alarm for USMNT
Christian Pulisic, a key player for the United States men's national team, did not train with the group on Monday after receiving a kick to the back of his left leg during the World Cup opening match against Paraguay, which the US won 4-1. The AC Milan winger, who scored an own goal and assisted Folarin Balogun, was substituted at halftime by coach Mauricio Pochettino. Pulisic underwent an individual modified session with medical staff. Teammate Tyler Adams downplayed concerns, stating Pulisic would be ready. The US is in Group D with Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey, and faces Australia next on June 19 in Seattle.
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