The USMNT could be without its biggest star for a pivotal FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D clash against Australia, with Christian Pulisic still battling a calf issue. While head coach Mauricio Pochettino says the AC Milan forward is improving, a final decision on his availability will only come after discussions with the team's medical staff.
Key Points
- Christian Pulisic remains doubtful for the USMNT's Group D clash against Australia.
- Mauricio Pochettino says the winger has trained individually all week after aggravating a calf injury.
- The USMNT boss will make a final decision after consulting the medical staff.
- Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman, Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, Brenden Aaronson, and Alex Zendejas are among the options if Pulisic cannot play.
Pulisic's Status Remains Up in the Air
Christian Pulisic's availability remains uncertain after he suffered a knock during training that was aggravated in the USMNT's 4-1 victory over Paraguay. The AC Milan star played only the opening 45 minutes before being replaced by Sebastian Berhalter at halftime after taking another blow to his calf.
Since then, Pulisic has followed an individual recovery program, splitting his time between gym sessions and modified on-field training while the rest of the squad prepared for Friday's showdown with Australia. Despite encouraging progress, Mauricio Pochettino stopped short of confirming whether his captain will be fit in time.
Mauricio Pochettino Provides Latest Christian Pulisic Injury Update
Speaking after the team's final training session before matchday, Pochettino explained that the coaching staff would wait until after discussions with the medical team before making a decision.
"He was training in an individual way the whole week, but like always, I think tonight, the day before the game, we have a meeting with our medical staff and we will assess the whole group of players, and tomorrow we will communicate on what we agree on tonight."
The Argentine manager added that Pulisic has responded well in recent days and is doing everything possible to return. "He's evolving. He's much better since Friday. I think at the moment, we'll see. If he is not available for tomorrow, he will be available for the next game, but I think he's making a massive effort, trying to be ready."
Pochettino also praised the 27-year-old's mentality, highlighting his determination to represent his country despite the setback. "Christian is strong with a great mentality. He's making a fantastic effort to try to get ready as soon as possible."
Who Could Replace Christian Pulisic?
If Pulisic is ruled out, Pochettino has several attacking options at his disposal. He could push Weston McKennie or Malik Tillman into a more advanced role, while Tim Weah, Brenden Aaronson, Gio Reyna, and Alex Zendejas are all capable of stepping into the front line after beginning the win over Paraguay on the bench.
However, the USMNT manager wasn't giving away any tactical clues. "I will tell you tomorrow if that is the situation. At the moment, we are evaluating all these possibilities, just in case, and then we will decide when we have the confirmation in one or another direction tonight."
A Massive Test Against Australia
Whether Pulisic plays or not, Friday's meeting with Australia could shape the USMNT's path through the tournament. Victory would put the Americans in a commanding position to top Group D and move one step closer to the knockout rounds.
Anything less, however, would leave qualification hanging on their final group-stage fixture against Turkey in Los Angeles. For now, all eyes remain on Pulisic's fitness as the USMNT waits for its biggest selection call ahead of one of its most important matches of the tournament.
