As the U.S.men's national soccer team looks to build on its emphatic 4-1 victory over Paraguay when it faces Australia on Friday, the biggest question surrounding the Americans is whether "Captain America" will be on the pitch at Lumen Field in Seattle.Christian Pulisic’s injury status has loomed large over this team despite their strong start on home soil for the tournament.
Pulisic, who had an assist in the win over Paraguay, suffered a calf injury that led to him being subbed out after the first half last week.USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino was asked once again about Christian Pulisic's status ahead of Friday's match, but he offered little insight into the condition of the star's left calf.WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONEChristian Pulisic of the United States participates in a training session for the 2026 World Cup at Great Sports Park in Irvine, Calif., on June 17, 2026.(Jamie Squire/Getty Images)"He’s evolving," Pochettino responded, per the New York Post.
"He’s much better from Friday.We’ll see."I think at the moment, we think if he’s not available for tomorrow, he’ll be available for the next game."Pochettino added that Pulisic was "doing a massive effort trying to be ready," understanding that the U.S.
star wants to be out on the pitch with the rest of his teammates.He will meet with the training staff on Thursday night to discuss Pulisic’s status."I think for every player that loves his country, it’s an amazing opportunity to enjoy and help the team win games," he said.
"When this type of thing happens, always it’s painful, but I think Christian is strong, with a great mentality, and doing a fantastic effort to try to be ready."FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCEUnited States forward Christian Pulisic controls the ball past Paraguay midfielder Andrés Cubas in the first half of a FIFA World Cup 2026 match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.(Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)During the te...