2026 World Cup: USMNT says Christian Pulisic uncertain vs. Australia

The status of U.S. forward Christian Pulisic remains uncertain for Friday’s World Cup game against Australia at Seattle Stadium.

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said Thursday afternoon that discussions still need to take place with the team’s medical staff before determining whether Pulisic will be available for the match.

“We have a meeting with our medical area and we will assess our whole group, and tomorrow we will communicate this,” Pochettino said.

Pulisic was subbed off at halftime of the 4-1 win by the U.S. in the opening match against Paraguay last Friday after appearing to aggravate a left calf injury. Pulisic trained away from the main roster during the team’s practices in Southern California earlier this week.

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Pochettino said he believes if Pulisic is determined not to be available against the Australians, then he should be ready in time for the final group stage match for the U.S. against Turkey next Thursday in Los Angeles.

That game might be moot if the U.S. beats Australia on Friday as it likely would wrap up the top spot in Group D.

“He’s doing a massive effort trying to be ready,” Pochettino said.

Pulisic was not on the field with the rest of his teammates on Thursday morning during the portion of training at the University of Washington soccer field that was open to the media.

Pulisic was responsible for creating the own goal by Paraguay that gave the U.S. an early 1-0 lead in the opener and assisted on one of Folarin Balogun’s two goals in the first half.

Pochettino declined to speculate who might replace Pulisic in the lineup if he can’t play.

“Christian is a really important player for us. He can be really dangerous,” U.S. defender Sergiño Dest said. “We also have other good players as well that have attacking abilities. It’s up to the coach who will have a place, but we’re a team and I feel like teamwork is most important.”