Pulisic Left Out of Squad for Crucial Group D Clash
The Christian Pulisic saga took another twist on Friday evening as the United States captain was omitted entirely from the matchday squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D fixture against Australia at Seattle Stadium. The AC Milan forward had been a doubt after being withdrawn at half-time during the USA’s opening 4-1 victory over Paraguay, and head coach Mauricio Pochettino has now opted not to risk him.
Pulisic suffered a knock in training prior to the Paraguay game and despite starting that match, he was replaced at the interval as a precaution. The decision to leave him out entirely against the Socceroos raised immediate concerns among US supporters, but Pochettino moved quickly to allay fears.
Pochettino Urges Calm After Tough Decision
Speaking to Fox Sports ahead of the 20:00 BST kick-off, Pochettino provided a succinct but reassuring update on his star man. “Today he was training in the morning and the feelings are good,” the Argentine said. “We hope that he can be ready as soon as possible to be selected again and be part of the team.”
The comments suggest that while Pulisic is not yet ready for full match involvement, the injury is not considered serious and his absence is purely one of load management. Pochettino, ever the pragmatist, will be acutely aware that the USA need their talisman fresh and firing for the knockout rounds should they secure qualification.
“Today he was training in the morning and the feelings are good. We hope that he can be ready as soon as possible to be selected again and be part of the team.”
What It Means for the US World Cup Campaign
The United States went into the Australia match knowing that another victory would all but confirm their passage to the last 16. Pochettino’s squad depth has been a talking point throughout the tournament, and the absence of the AC Milan man put the onus on the supporting cast to deliver.
Tim Weah, Brenden Aaronson and Gio Reyna are among those capable of stepping up, but Pulisic’s creative spark and goal threat are difficult to replace. The US will hope this is a short-term absence and that their captain can return for the final group game, which could determine who tops Group D.
Key Takeaways
- Precautionary measure: Pulisic was left out of the matchday squad entirely against Australia after a knock, but Pochettino insists the feelings are good.
- Training ground update: The forward trained on the morning of the game, suggesting the injury is not severe.
- World Cup caution: The US are keen to protect their captain with the knockout stages in mind, prioritizing long-term fitness over group-stage risks.
- Next man up: Pulisic’s absence opens the door for other attackers to make their mark as the US chase a second straight win in Group D.
Quick Facts
Match: USA vs Australia – 2026 FIFA World Cup, Group D
Date: 19 June 2026
Kick-off: 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET
Venue: Seattle Stadium, Washington
Pulisic status: Not in matchday squad; trained in the morning
Coach’s assessment: “The feelings are good”; hopeful of quick return