Just as the USMNT were gearing up to begin their second FIFA World Cup group-stage fixture against Australia, a sudden and unexpected setback emerged from inside the camp only moments before kickoff.
Christian Pulisic ruled out
Christian Pulisic has been ruled out of Friday’s clash against Australia due to a calf injury, with Ricardo Pepi set to replace him in the starting lineup, USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino confirmed to FOX Sports.
The Argentine head coach confirmed the update roughly 90 minutes before kickoff at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Pulisic's impact in opening game
Pulisic had been instrumental in the team’s opening win over Paraguay, providing an assist and playing a key role in forcing an own goal, helping drive the USMNT’s dominant performance.
Pulisic was forced off at half-time during the USA’s 4-1 opening win over Paraguay last week after picking up a calf injury and has yet to make a full recovery.
What Pochettino said about injury
“Christian is not available,” Pochettino told Fox Sports.
{{/usCountry}}“Christian is not available,” Pochettino told Fox Sports.
{{/usCountry}}“His evolution is (going) really well, yesterday he was training.
“I hope that as soon as possible he can be ready to be selected again to be part of the team.”
Pochettino told The Associated Press that Pulisic had been kicked on the back of his left calf during a training session before the match and experienced tightness while playing.
Victory means knockout stages confirmed
Both the USA and Australia head into their Group D meeting in Seattle knowing that a win would secure qualification for the knockout rounds.
The USMNT opened their campaign in dominant fashion with a 4-1 win over Paraguay, as Folarin Balogun netted a brace and Gio Reyna also got on the scoresheet.
Australia also started strongly, recording a 2-0 victory and keeping a clean sheet, with Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe both finding the back of the net.
A win over Australia would not only move them closer to securing qualification but also ensure top spot in Group D, placing them in a strong position heading into the knockout rounds.
Also read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Mexico first to enter knockout stage after 1-0 win over South Korea
The USMNT will wrap up their group-stage campaign against Turkey on Thursday, June 25. It will be intriguing to see whether Pulisic manages to recover in time and make his return for this final group fixture.