Christian Pulisic
Sidelined for several weeks
Pulisic suffered a bone bruise and microfracture in his lower leg during the United States' World Cup defeat to Belgium and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, according to The Athletic.
Analysis: Pulisic picked up the injury during Monday's knockout-stage loss, with subsequent medical evaluations revealing a bone bruise and a microfracture of the tibia/fibula. While the setback will keep the Milan forward out through the remainder of the summer, the prognosis is more encouraging than initially feared, with a return expected in August rather than a multi-month absence. The 27-year-old should have enough time to recover and potentially rejoin training before the start of the new Serie A campaign.
Dealing with ankle sprain
Pulisic tweaked his knee and ankle in his final World Cup game but is expected to make a quick recovery, La Gazzetta dello Sport informed.
Analysis: Pulisic will take further tests but appears to have avoided serious issues and is expected to recuperate while he's on vacation and to be a full-go as the pre-season preparation ramps up later in the summer.
Picks up discomfort versus Belgium
Pulisic was forced off with a potential muscle issue during Monday's game versus Belgium.
Analysis: Pulisic lasted 59 minutes on the field before succumbing to a physical problem, ending his participation in the 2026 World Cup. The talented attacker struggled to stay healthy throughout the international competition, as he previously dealt with a calf injury. Moreover, he failed to get directly involved in a goal again since his assist in the opening match against Paraguay. The extent of his current blow remains unclear and is now a primary concern for AC Milan given that the USMNT has been eliminated from the World Cup.
Starts, records one shot
Pulisic registered one shot (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Wednesday's 2-0 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Analysis: Pulisic would make his way back into the starting XI Wednesday after some injury problems, as the attacker played 88 minutes. He would record one shot and a cross in the match, still useful for the team, as he opened up much more play in the attack with more focus on him. He will now need to step up into a bigger role with Folarin Bologun suspended for the round of 16, likely needing to lead the attack in a more forward role against Belgium.
Plays 32 minutes
Pulisic recorded three shots (two on target) and one chance created in Thursday's 3-2 loss to Turkiye.
Analysis: Pulisic would feature for the USMNT team Thursday, with the attacker appearing in the 58th minute from the bench. He would record a few shots and was very close to scoring on one occasion, showing flashes that he is fully fit. He should then start in the round of 32, with Bosnia and Herzegovina waiting for Team USA.
Bench option
Pulisic (calf) is on the bench for Thursday's match against Turkiye.
Analysis: Pulisic is back in the team sheet as the USMNT closes out the group stage, with the attacker residing on the bench after his calf concerns. This will leave him to likely appear in the second half, needing to see time to test his legs ahead of the round of 32. Either way, this is huge news for the team and fans, as a serious run in the World Cup was unlikely without Captain America.
Role undetermined for Thursday
Pulisic (calf) is still being assessed on whether he can play from the start or will come on in the second half of Thursday's match against Turkiye, according to manager Mauricio Pochettino, per Peter Rutzler of The Times Sport. "[He] is talking with the medical area, he's available, now we need to decide if he plays from the beginning or in the second half."
Analysis: Pulisic is still receiving attention despite his known availability for the USA's group stage finale, as it is being determined how much time he can play. It is more than likely that the team will be cautious with the forward, not wanting to risk anything after such a great start to the tournament, as that would be a major negative. However, they may want to get him out there right away just to see how he reacts and potentially pull him off at half, with multiple options for the winger as he returns to World Cup play.
Available Thursday
Pulisic (calf) is available for Thursday's clash with Turkey, he told reporters.
Analysis: Pulisic is back available for the final match of the group stage after missing out against Australia. With the United States already secure in their spot to the next round, Pulisic likely won't play a huge role during Thursday's clash even though he's fit. Pulisic was electric in the first half to open the World Cup, before coming off injured.
Back in full training
Pulisic (calf) is back in full team training, according to Laken Litman of Fox Sports.
Analysis: Pulisic is already on the road to recovery Monday as the USA prepares for the group stage finale, with the attacker joining full team training again. This is huge news for the team, as it appears they will have a key piece of their attack available heading into the knockouts. However, they are likely to closely monitor his health, not wanting to risk Captain America after one of their best starts in World Cup history. That said, a start in the group stage finale may still be tough to come by for the attacker.
Ruled out against Australia
Pulisic (calf) is out for the United States match against Australia, with Ricardo Pepi set to start, United States coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed to FOX Sports.
Analysis: Pulisic has not trained fully all week after injuring his left calf during the win over Paraguay, where he was substituted at half time of the 4-1 victory. The 27-year-old was limited to modified training sessions throughout the week and has now been confirmed out, a huge blow for the United States having been one of their best players in the opener before the injury forced him off. Ricardo Pepi starts in his place Friday against Australia.
Back available against Australia
Pulisic has recovered from calf discomfort and will be fully available for the United States' second game against Australia, according to Gianluca Di Marzio
Analysis: Pulisic spent the entire week training individually after feeling discomfort in his calf, an issue that forced him off at halftime in the opener against Paraguay. The substitution raised concern given he had been one of the best players on the pitch during his time on it, even picking up an assist, but there is now relief as reports suggest he has recovered and should be available for the game against Australia, with a chance to start.
Status for Thursday still unclear
Pulisic (calf) remains in doubt for Friday's match against Australia, according to manager Mauricio Pochettino, per Ben Jacobs of TalkSPORT Live. "He was training individually the whole week. Tonight, we have a meeting with our medical staff. We will assess the whole group, and tomorrow we will communicate [if he's going to play]. He's evolving and much better from Friday. We will see. If not available tomorrow [against Australia], he'll be back for Turkey."
Analysis: Pulisic remains an unknown for Thursday's crucial group stage match against Australia, bound for the knockouts if the USMNT gets the win. This comes after a few days of only individual training, leaving most to lean towards a possible absence from Captain America. That said, even if he is selected from the team, he could not see the field, being cautious and saving the attacker for future matches if the game is at hand. Either way, it seems unlikely he will be in the starting XI, if on the team sheet at all, leaving Sebastian Berhalter, Brenden Aaronson and Giovanni Reyna chances at starting.
Still not in group training
Pulisic (calf) didn't train with the rest of the group Thursday and was spotted working out in the gym, according to Henry Bushnell of The Athletic.
Analysis: The USMNT will take on Australia on Friday at 3 p.m. ET, and now it's uncertain whether Pulisic will actually play since he hasn't trained with the rest of the team throughout the week. Sebastian Berhalter, Brenden Aaronson and Giovanni Reyna are all options to take Pulisic's place in the lineup against the Socceroos, with each offering something different compared to the AC Milan playmaker. As things stand now, Pulisic might not even be fit enough to be an option off the bench Friday.
Still training alone
Pulisic (calf) is still training alone and didn't work with the team Wednesday, per Tom Bogert of The Athletic.
Analysis: Pulisic was listed as day-to-day yesterday and is now still not training with the team. At this point it's getting hard to project Pulisic in the starting XI for the clash with Australia on Friday. Sebastian Berhalter replaced Pulisic against Paraguay, Giovanni Reyna would be another option to come into the starting XI if Pulisic can't go against Australia.
Listed as day-to-day
Pulisic (calf) is day-to-day ahead of a showdown with Australia on Friday, per Tom Bogert of The Athletic.
Analysis: Pulisic is still in limited training Tuesday as he recovers from a calf knock. The winger is hoping to be back in the starting XI when the United States takes on Australia on Friday. Pulisic was a huge part of the team that dismantled Paraguay in the opening match, and is expected to be back fit for the second match, in some capacity.
Trains to side, expected to be fit
Pulisic trained to the side Monday following a knock he received against Paraguay, but is still expected to make their match against Australia on Friday, according to Ben Jacobs of TalkSPORT Live.
Analysis: Pulisic is only an option for training on the side Monday, but is still seeing some positive news, as the attacker is still likely to make the second match of the group stage. The likely plan is to have him boost his training as the week goes on, not putting too much pressure on him to be training with teammates now. Either way, this will bring confidence to the team after their opening game win, as Pulisic played a major part before his exit from the field.
Assist, off at halftime
Pulisic recorded one assist before exiting the field at halftime in Friday's World Cup opener against Paraguay as a precaution, the player told Doug McIntyre of Fox Sports. "I just got a bit of a kick in the first half, so I'm really hoping that it's nothing. Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I'm hoping I'll be fine the next few days."
Analysis: Pulisic started his World Cup on the right note Friday, as the attacker recorded an assist on the USMNT's second goal of the match. However, this was not all, as his dribbling and movement into the box were the main reasons for the own goal that gave the team their opener. He would then be taken off at halftime, given the scoreline, preserving him for future games, as he didn't appear to come off injured. A start like this for Captain America is a bright sign at the 2026 World Cup, appearing to be in the correct form to lead this team on a run.
Will be key for USMNT
Pulisic is expected to be one of the driving forces on offense for the USMNT in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Analysis: Pulisic recorded 12 goal contributions (eight goals, four assists) in 30 appearances (18 starts) for AC Milan in the 2025/26 Serie A season. However, that was a down year compared to 2024/25 when he had 11 goals and nine assists. Pulisic has drawn tons of criticism for not scoring with the USMNT since 2024, but despite that drought, he should be a key element upfront for Mauricio Pochettino's side -- regardless of the role he fills in the attacking third.
Delivers one assist off bench
Pulisic assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 2-1 win against Genoa.
Analysis: Pulisic played a direct creative role in Sunday's 2-1 win at Genoa, driving forward on a rapid counterattack in the second half before finding Zachary Athekame with a precise pass that the wing-back fired into the far corner to double Milan's lead, while also adding one key pass and three crosses. Pulisic has now scored eight Serie A goals and delivered four assists across 29 appearances this season, leading his side in combined goal contributions and reinforcing his status as one of the most important attacking players in manager Massimiliano Allegri's system.
Not starting against Genoa
Pulisic (glute) is commencing on the bench in Sunday's tilt versus Genoa.
Analysis: Pulisic is fit enough to be an option but not to play major minutes without risking a more serious injury. Christopher Nkunku and Santiago Gimenez are forming the initial frontline in this one sans Rafael Leao (suspension). Pulisic will likely get some action in the second half.
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