Christian Pulisic
Ruled out against Australia
Pulisic (calf) is out for the United States match against Australia, with Ricardo Pepi set to start, United States coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed to FOX Sports.
Analysis: Pulisic has not trained fully all week after injuring his left calf during the win over Paraguay, where he was substituted at half time of the 4-1 victory. The 27-year-old was limited to modified training sessions throughout the week and has now been confirmed out, a huge blow for the United States having been one of their best players in the opener before the injury forced him off. Ricardo Pepi starts in his place Friday against Australia.
Back available against Australia
Pulisic has recovered from calf discomfort and will be fully available for the United States' second game against Australia, according to Gianluca Di Marzio
Analysis: Pulisic spent the entire week training individually after feeling discomfort in his calf, an issue that forced him off at halftime in the opener against Paraguay. The substitution raised concern given he had been one of the best players on the pitch during his time on it, even picking up an assist, but there is now relief as reports suggest he has recovered and should be available for the game against Australia, with a chance to start.
Status for Friday still unclear
Pulisic (calf) remains in doubt for Friday's match against Australia, according to manager Mauricio Pochettino, per Ben Jacobs of TalkSPORT Live. "He was training individually the whole week. Tonight, we have a meeting with our medical staff. We will assess the whole group, and tomorrow we will communicate [if he's going to play]. He's evolving and much better from Friday. We will see. If not available tomorrow [against Australia], he'll be back for Turkey."
Analysis: Pulisic remains an unknown for Thursday's crucial group stage match against Australia, bound for the knockouts if the USMNT gets the win. This comes after a few days of only individual training, leaving most to lean towards a possible absence from Captain America. That said, even if he is selected from the team, he could not see the field, being cautious and saving the attacker for future matches if the game is at hand. Either way, it seems unlikely he will be in the starting XI, if on the team sheet at all, leaving Sebastian Berhalter, Brenden Aaronson and Giovanni Reyna chances at starting.
Still not in group training
Pulisic (calf) didn't train with the rest of the group Thursday and was spotted working out in the gym, according to Henry Bushnell of The Athletic.
Analysis: The USMNT will take on Australia on Friday at 3 p.m. ET, and now it's uncertain whether Pulisic will actually play since he hasn't trained with the rest of the team throughout the week. Sebastian Berhalter, Brenden Aaronson and Giovanni Reyna are all options to take Pulisic's place in the lineup against the Socceroos, with each offering something different compared to the AC Milan playmaker. As things stand now, Pulisic might not even be fit enough to be an option off the bench Friday.
Still training alone
Pulisic (calf) is still training alone and didn't work with the team Wednesday, per Tom Bogert of The Athletic.
Analysis: Pulisic was listed as day-to-day yesterday and is now still not training with the team. At this point it's getting hard to project Pulisic in the starting XI for the clash with Australia on Friday. Sebastian Berhalter replaced Pulisic against Paraguay, Giovanni Reyna would be another option to come into the starting XI if Pulisic can't go against Australia.
Listed as day-to-day
Pulisic (calf) is day-to-day ahead of a showdown with Australia on Friday, per Tom Bogert of The Athletic.
Analysis: Pulisic is still in limited training Tuesday as he recovers from a calf knock. The winger is hoping to be back in the starting XI when the United States takes on Australia on Friday. Pulisic was a huge part of the team that dismantled Paraguay in the opening match, and is expected to be back fit for the second match, in some capacity.
Trains to side, expected to be fit
Pulisic trained to the side Monday following a knock he received against Paraguay, but is still expected to make their match against Australia on Friday, according to Ben Jacobs of TalkSPORT Live.
Analysis: Pulisic is only an option for training on the side Monday, but is still seeing some positive news, as the attacker is still likely to make the second match of the group stage. The likely plan is to have him boost his training as the week goes on, not putting too much pressure on him to be training with teammates now. Either way, this will bring confidence to the team after their opening game win, as Pulisic played a major part before his exit from the field.
Assist, off at halftime
Pulisic recorded one assist before exiting the field at halftime in Friday's World Cup opener against Paraguay as a precaution, the player told Doug McIntyre of Fox Sports. "I just got a bit of a kick in the first half, so I'm really hoping that it's nothing. Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I'm hoping I'll be fine the next few days."
Analysis: Pulisic started his World Cup on the right note Friday, as the attacker recorded an assist on the USMNT's second goal of the match. However, this was not all, as his dribbling and movement into the box were the main reasons for the own goal that gave the team their opener. He would then be taken off at halftime, given the scoreline, preserving him for future games, as he didn't appear to come off injured. A start like this for Captain America is a bright sign at the 2026 World Cup, appearing to be in the correct form to lead this team on a run.
Will be key for USMNT
Pulisic is expected to be one of the driving forces on offense for the USMNT in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Analysis: Pulisic recorded 12 goal contributions (eight goals, four assists) in 30 appearances (18 starts) for AC Milan in the 2025/26 Serie A season. However, that was a down year compared to 2024/25 when he had 11 goals and nine assists. Pulisic has drawn tons of criticism for not scoring with the USMNT since 2024, but despite that drought, he should be a key element upfront for Mauricio Pochettino's side -- regardless of the role he fills in the attacking third.
Not starting against Genoa
Pulisic (glute) is commencing on the bench in Sunday's tilt versus Genoa.
Analysis: Pulisic is fit enough to be an option but not to play major minutes without risking a more serious injury. Christopher Nkunku and Santiago Gimenez are forming the initial frontline in this one sans Rafael Leao (suspension). Pulisic will likely get some action in the second half.
Set to be available versus Genoa
Pulisic (glute) has quickly returned to full training after missing the last match, Mediaset reported.
Analysis: Pulisic escaped without severe problems and will be in contention for two spots up front with Christopher Nkunku, Santiago Gimenez and Niclas Fullkrug, while Rafael Leao is suspended. He has notched one assist and logged six shots (one on target), six chances created and three crosses (one accurate) in his last six outings (four starts).
Day-to-day following tests
Pulisic (glute) avoided a strain and will be a late call for Sunday's away game versus Genoa, Tuttomercatoweb reported.
Analysis: Pulisic has a shot to return this week or next and will look to ramp up training over the next few days. Milan will be without Rafael Leao (suspension) versus Genoa. Christopher Nkunku, Santiago Gimenez and Niclas Fullkurg would be the lone strikers standing sans Pulisic.
Will miss Atalanta clash
Pulisic suffered a glute problem in the last training session and won't play Sunday versus Atalanta, La Gazzetta dello Sport relayed.
Analysis: Pulisic is set for tests to determine his status for the last two matches against Genoa and Cagliari. Rafael Leao and Santiago Gimenez are currently expected to start over Christopher Nkunku and Niclas Fullkrug versus Atalanta.
Poor in loss
Pulisic had one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-0 defeat against Sassuolo.
Analysis: Pulisic took a single shot and created a single chance during Sunday's loss. It was a disappointing run on the pitch, though at least he put a shot on goal, more than many on the Milan side can say. The forward has been good this season, and will hope to get back to his best during the final three matches of the campaign.
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