Why Isn't Christian Pulisic Playing Against Australia?
Speaking with reporters on Thursday, United States men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino made it sound like Christian Pulisic was a longshot to play against Australia in a Friday afternoon showdown.
"I think tonight, or the day before the game, we have a meeting with our medical area and we will assess the whole group, the players, and tomorrow we will communicate and see all the things that [we] can agree [on] tonight," Pochettino said. "He's evolving. He's much better from Friday. We'll see. I think at the moment, if we see he's not available for tomorrow, he will be available for the next game."
"I think he's doing a massive effort trying to be ready. I think for every single player that love their country it's an amazing opportunity to know, to enjoy and to help the team to perform and to win games. When this type of thing happens, always is painful, but I think Christian is strong and with great mentality and is doing a fantastic effort to try to be ready as soon as possible."
Is Christian Pulisic Playing vs. Australia?
However, just hours before game time, Italian soccer insider Gianluca Di Marzio reported, "Good news for the USA: Pulisic has recovered from his calf discomfort and will be fully available."
There's a stark difference between being "fully available" to play and actually playing, though. Pulisic clearly did everything possible to see the field, but does it make sense for the team's best player to play through injury?
In the end the United States decided not to start the star player for its second group stage contest. Pochettino confirmed that Pulisic will not play against Australia as he nurses a calf injury.
PULISIC OUT!
— Adrian Arciuli (@Adrian_Arciuli) June 19, 2026
USMNT Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino confirms Christian Pulisic won't play against the @Socceroos due to a calf injury. #WorldCuppic.twitter.com/pOHZhoDII6
The game kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Fox. It can also be found on Fox One and Telemundo or streamed on Fubo.
The final group stage game for the United States comes on June 25 against Turkey. While Pulisic isn't in the lineup today, Pochettino previously suggested he'll be fit enough for that game.
Related: Christian Pulisic Girlfriend: Sydney Sweeney Rumors, Ugly Breakup
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 11:15 AM.