Christian Pulisic to miss US World Cup match against Australia because of calf injury

Friday, June 19, 2026 12:50PM CT
SEATTLE -- U.S. star Christian Pulisic will miss Friday's World Cup match against Australia because of a calf injury.

American coach Maurice Pochettino made the announcement during an interview with Fox about 90 minutes before the kickoff at Lumen Field in Seattle.

The move is a setback for a U.S. team riding high after defeating Paraguay 4-1 in its first game one week ago.

Pulisic left the game at halftime. Pochettino said the 27-year-old attacker was kicked in the back of his left calf during a training session ahead of the game and felt tightness during the match.

Pulisic trained on his own in the lead-up to the game against Australia.



Pulisic has 33 goals in 87 international appearances.
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