American soccer star Christian Pulisic expects to play for the United States during its next match at the World Cup despite a minor injury. He won’t make any guarantees but he says he will be good to go.
Mauricio Pochettino feels hopes the same.
Although it does seem like this specific injury is cause for major concern, any sort of discomfort is not ideal for a soccer player who spent a lot of time away from the pitch over the last few years. You never want to hear that Pulisic is not at 100%.
Christian Pulisic subbed off at the World Cup.
The United States played its best half of soccer, maybe ever, against Paraguay on Friday night. The American side looked sharp, fast and creative.
Christian Pulisic actually got things started. He absolutely cooked the defense to set up the first goal of the tournament and the fastest goal ever scored by the U.S. during World Cup competition.
Christian Pulisic cooked Paraguay's defense to help set up the @USMNT's opening goal 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/xbjPrwlteq
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 13, 2026
Pulisic was equally as involved with the second goal of the night. He put the ball into the box for Flo Balogun off of a perfect hockey assist from Antonee Robinson.
FLO BALOGUN. FOR AMERICA! 🇺🇸
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 13, 2026
His first career FIFA World Cup goal doubles the @USMNT advantage over Paraguay pic.twitter.com/b5jXJgNdu7
Balogun added a second goal during stoppage time to give the United States a 3-0 lead at halftime. It was an incredible start. You really couldn’t ask for better. Pulisic played some of his best footy yet.
However, the 27-year-old did not return to the pitch during the second half. Pulisic was replaced Sebastian Berhalter. His substitution was self-described as a “precaution.” He said that he felt some tightness in his calf.
Seeing that Pulisic has a bit of a checkered history with injuries, this latest substitution is plenty of cause for concern. The star winger missed extended time with calf (and other muscular) problems in 2024-25. He also dealt with minor strains last season. The on and off discomfort led to brief layoffs.
The United States is not concerned about his calf injury.
As of this writing, Christian Pulisic and Mauricio Pochettino do not seem worried about the calf tightness. The team opted not to send him back onto the pitch during the second half with a 3-0 lead. There was no reason to risk an injury. It was precautionary.
However, neither of their initial remarks on the topic instilled full confidence in his return.
Pulisic said that he “got a bit of a kick in the first half” and is “gonna give everything he can” to be back in the lineup for the next match. He expects to be out there but he would not make any guarantees.
"I'm gonna give everything I can to be back, that's for sure. I'm not going to give you 100% — but yeah, I'll be there."
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 13, 2026
Christian Pulisic caught up with Tom Rinaldi after the @USMNT's 4-1 over Paraguay 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/qcSHWJss41
Pochettino first referred to a previous incident during practice that caused similar discomfort for Pulisic.
“He received a kick (to his calf) before today (too) in a training session, we hope it’s not a big issue.”
And then he made an admission that nobody wants to hear.
“When he finished the first half, [Pulisic] could not walk.”
The USMNT head coach gave a similar, but slightly less concerning update on the Fox broadcast.
Mauricio Pochettino applauds his team and gives an update on Christian Pulisic's calf strain. pic.twitter.com/sUqEXUwTSW
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 13, 2026
The expanded World Cup works in Pulisic’s favor. The American side will have a full week between its first and second match. It won’t play again until Friday. Extended rest will help to heal the calf tightness. Hopefully.