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As the United States men’s national soccer team looks to build on its resounding 4-1 victory over Paraguay when it faces Australia on Friday, the biggest question surrounding the Americans is whether “Captain America” will be on the field at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Christian Pulisic’s injury status has loomed large for this team despite their good start at home during the tournament. Pulisic, who had an assist in the win over Paraguay, suffered a calf injury that led to him being substituted after the first half last week.
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino was asked once again about Christian Pulisic’s status ahead of Friday’s game, but offered little information on the status of the star’s left calf.
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Christian Pulisic of the United States participates in a training session for the 2026 World Cup at Great Sports Park in Irvine, California, on June 17, 2026. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
“It’s evolving,” Pochettino responded, according to the New York Post. “He’s much better since Friday. We’ll see.”
“I think right now we’re thinking that if he’s not available for tomorrow, he’ll be available for the next game.”
Pochettino added that Pulisic was “making a big effort trying to be ready”, understanding that the American star wants to be on the field with the rest of his teammates. He will meet with the coaching staff on Thursday night to discuss Pulisic’s status.
“I think for every player who loves his country, it’s an incredible opportunity to enjoy and help the team win games,” he said. “When this kind of thing happens, it’s always painful, but I think Christian is strong, has a great mentality and makes a fantastic effort to try to be prepared.”
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American forward Christian Pulisic controls the ball and beats Paraguayan midfielder Andres Cubas in the first half of a 2026 FIFA World Cup match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. (Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)
During the team’s practice Thursday, Pulisic did much of what he’s been seen doing this week: holding a modified training session and not participating with the rest of the team during the media portion.
Pochettino did not say who would replace Pulisic if he cannot play against Australia on Friday, although Malik Tillman moved to the left wing after Pulisic came off against Paraguay, while Sebastian Berhalter moved into a midfield role in the second half.
“Tomorrow I will say if that is the situation,” Pochettino said. “Right now we are evaluating all possibilities just in case. And then we will decide when we have confirmation in one direction or the other tonight.”
There’s no doubt that playing Pulisic would give the Americans their best chance to defeat Australia, but fellow star Weston McKennie gave insight into the team’s thought process.
Christian Pulisic had an assist in the first half of the USMNT World Cup opener against Paraguay. (Images by Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn)
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“Anyway, I’m just trying to give good cheer and hope he can be there tomorrow,” McKennie said. “I know he really wants to be, and he’s doing everything he can, and the staff is doing everything they can, too. But that’s also another question that’s better to ask him than me. I’m in my own la-la land.”
With Australia defeating Türkiye in their first World Cup match, this fight between these two teams will determine who takes sole possession of first place in Group D.
