Pulisic Suffers Calf Injury Scare in USMNT's World Cup Qualifier Win
Published June 13, 2026
Christian Pulisic was substituted at halftime during the USMNT's 4-1 victory over Paraguay, raising concerns about his fitness after coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed a calf injury.
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The United States Men's National Team began its journey towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an emphatic 4-1 win against Paraguay on Friday night. The decisive victory saw the USMNT display an impressive level of intensity, with star attacker Christian Pulisic playing a pivotal role in the opening exchanges. Pulisic was instrumental in forcing an early own goal and then assisted Folarin Balogun for another before the half-hour mark, underlining his importance to the squad.
However, the elation from the dominant performance was tempered by a significant concern: Pulisic did not emerge for the second half. His unexpected substitution immediately sparked worries among fans regarding the captain's health, especially as the team navigates the crucial early stages of their World Cup campaign, which will culminate in the USA co-hosting the tournament in June-July 2026.
Following the match, USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino addressed the situation, confirming that Pulisic had sustained a 'kick' to his calf towards the end of the first half. Pochettino also revealed that Pulisic had received a similar knock in a training session prior to the match. The coach expressed hope that the injury would not be severe, stating that Pulisic 'could not walk' after the first half but remained optimistic about his availability for forthcoming fixtures.
With the USMNT preparing for their next challenge, the focus will now shift to Pulisic's recovery. His presence is vital for the squad, and fans will be eagerly awaiting further updates on his condition as the team continues its qualification path for the expanded 48-team tournament.