USMNT Star Christian Pulisic Injured, Questionable for World Cup Match vs Australia
Christian Pulisic sustained a left calf injury during the USMNT’s 4-1 friendly win over Paraguay on June 12, 2026, in Inglewood, California, and was later confirmed out for the World Cup group match against Australia on June 19. The 27-year-old winger trained separately all week, with manager Mauricio Pochettino citing precautionary reasons. Ricardo Pepi was named a surprise replacement. Pulisic, who has 31 international goals, is expected to return for later matches.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
USMNT’s Christian Pulisic 'feeling great' entering Group D finale vs. Turkey
United States men's national soccer team star Christian Pulisic announced he is 'feeling great' and will be available for the team's final Group D match against Turkey on Thursday, June 24, 2026, in Inglewood, California. The update comes ahead of a crucial group-stage encounter, with Pulisic's fitness being a key factor for the USMNT's performance. The article, published by Yardbarker Soccer, highlights the player's positive health status and readiness to play.
Yardbarker: SoccerChristian Pulisic optimistic about playing for USMNT vs Turkey after calf injury
Christian Pulisic, star attacker for the US Men's National Team (USMNT), said he is 'feeling good' and hopes to play in Thursday's World Cup group stage match against Turkey after missing the previous game against Australia due to a calf injury. The injury was originally sustained from a kick in training before the tournament opener against Paraguay. Pulisic returned to full-team training on Monday and participated again on Wednesday. Although the USMNT has already clinched the top spot in Group D, making the match inconsequential for advancement, Pulisic emphasized the team's desire to win to build momentum ahead of the knockout round starting July 1. He acknowledged he likely will not play 90 minutes and will consult with coaches and medical staff on his availability.
Soccer - The AthleticChristian Pulisic ruled out for USA vs Australia World Cup clash due to calf injury
USA star Christian Pulisic has been ruled out of the crucial World Cup group stage match against Australia due to a calf injury. Coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed the AC Milan winger will not play, though his recovery is progressing well. Pulisic sustained the injury during the USA's opening 4-1 victory over Paraguay, where he contributed to two goals before being withdrawn at halftime. The 27-year-old underwent a personalized training program but was ultimately unavailable for the Seattle match. Pochettino expressed hope that Pulisic could return for the final group stage game against Turkey on June 25. Australia arrives after a surprise win over Turkey in their opener, making the match critical for group standings.
Mirror - FootballUSMNT star Christian Pulisic (calf) sitting out vs. Australia
U.S. star forward Christian Pulisic will miss Friday's World Cup match against Australia due to a left calf injury, as confirmed by coach Mauricio Pochettino. Pulisic was removed at halftime of the Group D opener against Paraguay on June 12 after recording an assist. Despite attempting to be available, he missed training sessions during the week, and it was ultimately deemed too risky to play him. Pochettino expressed optimism about his recovery, noting that Pulisic trained well in the morning but was not selected. Ricardo Pepi, 23, will start in place of Pulisic, marking the only lineup change from the Paraguay match. The U.S. will finish group play against Turkey on Thursday at Inglewood, California.
Yardbarker: SoccerMauricio Pochettino confirms Christian Pulisic out vs Australia, names surprise replacement
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that star winger Christian Pulisic will miss the World Cup group stage match against Australia due to a calf injury aggravated during the 4-1 win over Paraguay. In a surprise move, Pochettino announced that striker Ricardo Pepi will start in Pulisic's place, rather than natural wingers Gio Reyna or Tim Weah. The decision suggests a potential formation shift and could see Weston McKennie adjust his role. Pulisic had recorded an assist, two key passes, and four successful dribbles before being substituted at halftime against Paraguay. Pepi, coming off a 19-goal club season, will partner Folarin Balogun up front.
Yardbarker: SoccerChristian Pulisic Ruled Out for US World Cup Match Against Australia
Christian Pulisic, star striker of the United States national soccer team, has been officially ruled out of the second Group D World Cup match against Australia on Friday in Seattle due to a calf injury. Coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed the decision after initially leaving Pulisic's participation uncertain. The 87-cap forward (33 goals) was substituted at halftime as a precaution during the US's first group match against Paraguay, which they won 4-1. Pulisic trained very little during the week and is now targeting a return for the final group stage match against Turkey early next week.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuChristian Pulisic out of USA vs. Australia with calf injury
Christian Pulisic will not play in the U.S. men's national team's second World Cup group stage match against Australia due to a lingering calf injury. Pulisic was removed as a precaution at halftime of the USMNT's 4-1 win over Paraguay a week ago. Despite positive reports on his rehabilitation, coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Pulisic is unavailable for Friday's match in Seattle. Ricardo Pepi will replace him, joining Folarin Balogun up front in a formation shift. The winner of this Group D match will be the overwhelming favorite to top the group and secure a more favorable knockout stage draw. The U.S. next plays Turkey to close out Group D on Thursday.
Soccer - The AthleticChristian Pulisic ruled out of USA vs Australia World Cup match with calf injury
Christian Pulisic will miss the United States men's national team's second World Cup group stage match against Australia due to a lingering calf injury. The 27-year-old forward was removed at halftime of the USMNT's 4-1 opening win over Paraguay as a precaution. Despite undertaking modified training and showing improvement, coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Pulisic is not available for Friday's game in Seattle. Ricardo Pepi replaces him in the lineup, shifting the formation to pair Pepi with Folarin Balogun up front. The winner of the match will be favored to top Group D, securing a more favorable knockout stage draw. The U.S. concludes group play against Turkey on Thursday in Inglewood, California.
Soccer - The AthleticMauricio Pochettino noncommittal on Christian Pulisic status for Australia game: 'We'll see'
US men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino provided no clarity on Christian Pulisic's availability for the second group stage match against Australia on Friday. Pulisic has been training individually all week after injuring his calf in training and aggravating it during the US's 4-1 victory over Paraguay. He has followed a modified training program, training separately from the squad in Irvine, California, and later in Seattle. Pochettino stated Pulisic is 'evolving' and 'much better' but will be assessed by medical staff before a decision. Teammates Weston McKennie, Brenden Aaronson, Tim Weah, and Tyler Adams expressed hope he will play, though the US may need to adjust the lineup with options like Gio Reyna or Brendan Aaronson if Pulisic is unavailable.
Football | The GuardianChristian Pulisic Questionable for USA vs. Australia World Cup Match Due to Calf Injury
USMNT star forward Christian Pulisic is listed as questionable for Friday's World Cup Group D match against Australia due to a left calf injury, according to head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Pulisic exited the United States' opening win over Paraguay at halftime as a precaution after the US led 3-0. The 27-year-old winger received a kick in training two days before the Paraguay match and aggravated the same calf area during the first half. Despite initial optimism that the injury was minor, Pulisic trained separately from his teammates all week. Pochettino stated that a final decision on Pulisic's availability will be made after a Thursday night meeting with the team's performance staff. If unable to play, the coach declined to specify potential replacements. The match is scheduled at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Soccer - The AthleticChristian Pulisic questionable for USA vs. Australia with calf injury, Mauricio Pochettino says
USMNT star forward Christian Pulisic is questionable for Friday's World Cup Group D match against Australia due to a calf injury, according to head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Pulisic exited the United States' opening win over Paraguay at halftime and has trained separately from teammates all week. Pochettino stated that Pulisic is 'evolving' and 'much better' but would not confirm his availability. The coaching staff will meet with performance staff Thursday night to decide. Pochettino added that if Pulisic is not ready for Australia, he should be available for the next group stage match.
Soccer - The AthleticPulisic Training Separately, Expected to Play Against Australia
According to reporter Ben Jacobs, USMNT star Christian Pulisic is currently training separately from the main squad after suffering a kick to the calf during the match against Paraguay. Despite the injury, teammate Tyler Adams previously stated that he expects Pulisic to recover in time to play in the upcoming match against Australia. The news, sourced from X and reported by Hupu Football on June 16, indicates cautious optimism regarding Pulisic's availability for the international friendly. The article is brief but provides key injury update and player expectation.
虎扑 - 足球Christian Pulisic Provides Positive Injury Update After USMNT Win Over Paraguay
Christian Pulisic, star winger for the United States men's national soccer team, exited at halftime of a 4-1 friendly victory over Paraguay on June 12, 2026, in Inglewood, California, due to a minor left calf injury. Pulisic, who contributed to an own goal and an assist in the first half, was replaced by Sebastian Berhalter to start the second half. After the match, Pulisic assured reporters the injury was not serious, stating he received a kick and was being cautious. USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed the decision was precautionary, noting Pulisic felt tightness. The 27-year-old, a key player with 31 international goals and 21 assists, is expected to be fine for upcoming World Cup group stage matches against Australia on June 19 and Turkey on June 25.
Yardbarker: Soccer