IRVINE, Calif. — Christian Pulisic is ready to return for the U.S. men’s national team.
“I’m feeling good,” Pulisic said Wednesday, one day before the final group-stage match of the World Cup against Turkey. “And yeah, I’m hoping to play a part tomorrow. For sure.”
How much Pulisic — who missed last week’s win over Australia with a left calf injury — will participate in terms of minutes was left unclear. Having already clinched the top spot of the group thanks to FIFA’s changes in tiebreaker rules, and with Turkey already eliminated for the same reason, the match amounts to a glorified scrimmage.
Christian Pulisic flashes a smile during USMNT World Cup training on June 23, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via ReutersPulisic said he’ll discuss his minutes with the coaching and medical staff, but “obviously not a good chance I’ll probably go and play 90.”
Under the circumstances, that would count as prudent.
“Christian Pulisic is talking with the medical area,” manager Mauricio Pochettino said. “He’s available. We need to decide if it’s possible to play again or be on the bench and have the possibility to play in the second half. That is the situation.”
The superstar forward said he “never feared” his injury was anything particularly concerning. Pulisic came off at halftime in the USMNT’s opener against Paraguay, saying afterward that he was kicked in the same spot on his calf where he’d already picked up a knock in training a few days prior. Despite Pulisic, Pochettino and various players having expressed confidence Pulisic would be back shortly, he didn’t return to full training before the Australia game and didn’t play.
“I was pushing and I was really close to trying to be available for the last game for sure,” Pulisic said. “Obviously, I did feel a little something, but I was able to push through in the first half with adrenaline and just get me through. It wasn’t quite ready. It wasn’t anything where I feared anything worse than what it was.”
Christian Pulisic with the ball during USMNT World Cup training on June 23, 2026. Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn ImagesIt seems to be a safe assumption that the goal for the USMNT would be to have Pulisic ready to play 90 minutes — or potentially 120 — by next Wednesday for its round of 32 game, likely against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Pulisic, though, rarely played all 90 minutes at Milan during the back half of the season, so even without the injury factor, it’s not clear how realistic that would be.
World Cup Merch shop
Built for match days and everyday wear, this officially licensed USMNT tee brings classic national pride wherever you go.
Rep your favorite player in classic navy with this officially licensed tee made for diehard fans and big match energy.
Stay warm while repping the red, white, and blue in this officially licensed USMNT pullover hoodie featuring bold front and back crest graphics.
Celebrate the global game in style with this FIFA World Cup 26 tee featuring all three host countries’ logos and flags.
Rip into the excitement of World Cup season with this 2026 Panini sticker box packed with 25 packs of collectible stickers for fans and traders.
Bring World Cup vibes to every kickaround with the official adidas FIFA World Cup ’26 Soccer Ball built with host nation style and game-ready feel.
His absence ultimately didn’t doom the USMNT against Australia as it won 2-0 and rarely looked troubled.
“It’s not surprising to me,” Pulisic said. “I see what this team can do. We have depth, we have really strong players in a lot of positions. I don’t need to do everything. It’s such a strong team.”
That may not have been true a few years ago. It’s self-evident now.
Still, it’s unlikely Pulisic will sit again unless circumstances make it impossible for him to play.
“It was obviously a different set of emotions for sure, not being able to play,” Pulisic said. “I enjoyed being on the sideline, being around the team, I wanted to be there. Still living that World Cup game. I couldn’t be happier and prouder of how the guys handled that whole situation. I had faith in them. I knew they would.”
Going two weeks without any game action, he added, would not affect him, pushing back on the notion that he had been off.
“Two weeks off sounds crazy. I haven’t been off,” Pulisic said. “I’ve been working every single day, a lot. No, I don’t think that’s enough time to lose sharpness. I’ve been touching the ball every single day and whatnot. I’m working a lot. So get a couple training sessions in, I’d say I feel ready.”
