Mauricio Pochettino unsure of Christian Pulisic's condition for match against Australia: "We'll see"

Mauricio Pochettino has not given a clear answer about Christian Pulisic's availability for the United States' match against Australia at the 2026 World Cup.

"You know he's been training separately all week," the coach said in his pre-match press conference. "As usual, the night before or the day before the game we will have a meeting with our medical area, we will check the whole group, and tomorrow we will give a communication if there is an agreement tonight. He is getting better, he is better since Friday, we will see."

Pulisic injured his calf in training last week and was forced off at halftime in the US's 4-1 win over Paraguay after aggravating the injury. Since then he has been following what US Soccer described as a "modified training program," but details from the team have been scant.

During the training sessions open to the media at the team's training base in Irvine, California, Pulisic was not seen with the entire group. He was out in the auxiliary gym near the pitch on Monday and Tuesday, and out on the field with the trainers for drills with the ball on Wednesday. After arriving in Seattle, he practiced again separately from the others at the University of Washington soccer complex on Thursday.

At one point during the start of the session, Pulisic was spotted with a bandage on his left calf while in the huddle, but immediately entered the nearby training facility with the performance staff and was not seen again during the media-accessible portion of the session.

Pulisic's teammates changed their tune during the week when it came to optimism. "I know he really wants to get out tomorrow," said Weston McKennie. "He's doing everything and the staff is doing everything to get him back."

Brenden Aaronson said: "Hopefully Christian will be back for the game, of course. We know he will give everything to get back in the team."

On Tuesday, Tim Weah said, "I think he will be ready for the game and ready to be with the team … I just pray that he feels 100% fit." On Monday, Tyler Adams put speculation to rest: "Christian be ready, just relax. He's fine."

Pochettino revealed that the team has several options if Pulisic is unable to participate—the coach could adjust the strategy further back to the starting XI, play an in-form Gio Reyna, or deploy Brenden Aaronson. However, the coach admitted that Pulisic's absence will be a big loss given his excellent performance against Paraguay and his central role in the team.

"When something like this happens, it always hurts," added Pochettino. "But Christian is strong, he has a good mentality and he is working hard to be ready right away. He is making a big effort to come back."

The medical staff will provide a final assessment before the game and the team will be updated on Pulisic's availability in an upcoming communication, according to Pochettino.

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