USMNT star Christian Pulisic has stated that his substitution during the match against Paraguay was a precautionary measure. While coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed hope that the injury is minor, he acknowledged that the AC Milan winger “could not walk when the first half finished.”
Pulisic was taken off at halftime after sustaining a knock in the USMNT’s 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their 2026 World Cup opener on Friday.
Pulisic Injured During USMNT’s 4-1 Win Against Paraguay
“I just got a bit of a kick in the first half; I’m hoping that it’s nothing, taking precaution,” Pulisic said after the game, as reported by The Athletic. “I’m staying positive; I don’t think it’s anything.”
USMNT coach Pochettino added, “He [Pulisic] received a kick before today (too) in a training session; we hope it’s not a big issue. When he finished the first half, he could not walk. We’re hopeful the next game he’ll be available.”
The USMNT was leading 3-0 at halftime when Pulisic was substituted. The Milan winger experienced a challenging latter half of the season with his club, failing to score at the club level in 2026.
Pulisic will have time to rest and recover as the USMNT’s next World Cup match is scheduled for Friday, June 19, at 21:00 CET, against Australia.
The United States, one of the three host nations for the 2026 World Cup, is in Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey, managed by Vincenzo Montella.
