Christian Pulisic out for United States' World Cup game against Australia as calf injury lingers

Dan Dakich discusses the U.S. men's national soccer team's dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Christian Pulisic tried to get healthy in time for the United States Men’s National Team’s second World Cup game, but one week was not enough time.

After injuring his calf in the World Cup opener and hardly practicing all week, the United States will not have its superstar on the pitch against Australia. 

Manager Mauricio Pochettino announced the news on FOX Sports' pregame show, saying Ricardo Pepi will be in the starting lineup instead.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

USMNT star Christian Pulisic was subbed out before the second half of the team's World Cup opener against Paraguay. (Gary Vasquez-Imagn Images)

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.

Pochettino was asked constantly about Pulisic’s status for Friday and stayed mum for the most part – understandably so.

On Thursday, Pochettino said his star player was "much better" than when he suffered the injury and would at the very least be available for their final group stage game next week against Turkey.

Pochettino said the staff and Pulisic would meet Thursday night – apparently, if that meeting happened, it was not promising.

Pochettino added that Pulisic was making 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.

United 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