FILE-Christian Pulisic of United States celebrates their side's first goal, an own goal by Damian Bobadilla of Paraguay (not pictured), during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in I …
Christian Pulisic is out with a calf injury and will not play in Friday's match against Australia. Ricardo Pepi will start in place of Pulisic, USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino told FOX Sports.
Pochettino announced the news around 90 minutes before the kickoff at Lumen Field in Seattle.
The move is a setback for Team USA, which beat Paraguay 4-1 in its opener on June 12 and with a win would clinch advancement to the round of 32.
Christian Pulisic injury
What we know:
Pulisic left the game at halftime after helping create the opening goal by splitting a pair of defenders before passing to Weston McKennie, then setting up Folarin Balogun for the second goal.
Pochettino told The Associated Press that Pulisic was kicked in the back of his left calf during a training session ahead of the game and felt tightness during the match.
The AP reported that Pulisic trained on his own leading up to the game against Australia.
What we don't know:
It's unknown at this time how long Pulisic will be out with the injury.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by FOX Sports and The Associated Press. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.