Tech
Jun 16, 2026 Major2
81%
Pulisic Continues Calf Injury Rehab Ahead of U.S. World Cup Match Against Australia
U.S. forward Christian Pulisic is rehabilitating a left calf injury sustained during training and is listed as day-to-day ahead of Friday's World Cup match against Australia. The AC Milan player played only the first half of the Americans' 4-1 opening victory over Paraguay, where he recorded an assist and caused an own-goal despite the injury.
Quick Facts
Who
Christian Pulisic
What
Pulisic sustained a calf injury during training
When
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Where
Orange County, California - U.S. training base
- Pulisic sustained a calf injury during training
- Pulisic was removed from the Paraguay match at halftime
- Pulisic recorded an assist on Balogun's goal
- Pulisic caused a Paraguay own-goal
- Pulisic trained separately for individual rehabilitation
Christian Pulisic is undergoing individual rehabilitation for a calf injury as the U.S. national team prepares for its World Cup match against Australia in Seattle on Friday. The AC Milan forward trained separately for the second consecutive day on Tuesday at the team's training base in Orange County, California, and is described as "day to day" by team officials. Pulisic sustained the injury when he was kicked in the back of his left calf during a training session last week and was removed from the Americans' World Cup opener at halftime due to stiffness.
The U.S. defeated Paraguay 4-1 in its opening match on Friday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, with Pulisic playing a starring role despite his limited time. He recorded an assist on Folarin Balogun's opening goal and created an own-goal through his relentless attacking play down the left flank. Coach Mauricio Pochettino described removing Pulisic at halftime as a precautionary measure, with the team already leading 3-0 after its highest-scoring first half in World Cup history.
Pulisic expressed optimism about his recovery following the Paraguay match, stating he was remaining positive and did not believe the injury was serious. Team officials are monitoring his status daily as the U.S. prepares for its next group-stage fixture. After the Australia match in Seattle, the Americans will return to Inglewood on June 25 to conclude group play against Turkey.
Why This Matters
Pulisic's injury status is critical for the U.S. team's World Cup campaign. As a key attacking threat who contributed immediately despite his injury in the Paraguay opener, his availability against Australia directly impacts America's ability to advance from group play. The day-to-day designation suggests uncertainty that could shift team tactics and lineup decisions heading into a must-win scenario against a competitive opponent.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 13, 2026
WireU.S. defeats Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup opener; Pulisic plays first half and records assist and own-goal creation before being removed
Jun 16, 2026
WirePulisic trains separately for second consecutive day; listed as day-to-day
Jun 20, 2026
WireU.S. scheduled to play Australia in Seattle
Jun 25, 2026
WireU.S. scheduled to conclude group play against Turkey in Inglewood