The United States men’s national team will start its second 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage match against Australia — its biggest test of the tournament so far — with its star forward, Christian Pulisic, not being available, Mauricio Pochettino told FOX Sports’ Jenny Taft on Friday.
“Christian’s not available,” Pochettino told Taft. “Today was training in the morning at the training camp, and I’ve the feelings were good. Let’s hope that, as soon as possible, he can be ready to be selected again and be a part of the team.
“Now, we need to be focused in our team, and the players are going to play. We have a very important game. Australia is going to be really tough. But, of course, a little bit sad because he wanted to stay. He wanted to participate today.”
Pulisic played 45 minutes in the Americans’ 4-1 World Cup opening victory vs. Paraguay before he was subbed off at halftime after getting kicked in the back of his leg. He participated in a “modified training” session on Thursday, but his status was “day-to-day” leading into Friday’s match.
Pulisic’s availability is not expected to be impacted beyond Friday’s match, with head coach Pochettino saying “if he’s not available for [Friday, he] might be accessible for the subsequent recreation” on Thursday. The U.S. will advance to the spherical of 32 with a win over Australia. Additionally they can win Group D with a win towards Australia on Friday and a Paraguay win or draw towards Türkiye.
Ricardo Pepi will begin instead of Pulisic, with Folarin Balogun and Sergiño Dest retaining their spots in the US’ entrance three. Balogun scored two objectives in the US’ World Cup opener, and Pulisic was credited with the help on his first aim.
“We have determined to play with Ricardo and [move Balogun] to striker to attempt to change somewhat little bit of the strategy of the offensive state of affairs,” Pochettino advised Taft. “I feel, like at all times, the sport plan is about attempting to be efficient and optimize our strengths. And I feel it is an excellent recreation to see right this moment the group play with two strikers.”
The USA and Australia will kick off at 3 p.m. ET (FOX/FOX One).
