Why Christian Pulisic is not playing for USA in World Cup match against Australia today

Factual coreconfirmed by several independent voices

• The United States and Australia kick off at 3 p.m. ET.

  reliability moderate2/2 sources

• Christian Pulisic, the United States’ star forward, was ruled out of the USMNT’s World Cup game against Australia Friday, coach Mauricio Pochettino told FOX Sports, confirming fears the 27-year-old winger will miss the team’s second group stage game because of a lingering left calf injury. “Christian is not available,” Pochettino said.

  reliability moderate2/2 sources

• Pochettino admitted it was "a little bit sad" that Pulisic won't be able to see the field as the U.S. star wanted to play for his teammates.

  reliability moderate2/2 sources

Reported detailssecondary facts, each attributed to its source

• News Article Published Jun 19, 2026 at 02:49 PM EDT By Andrew McCarty In a comment to reporters on Thursday, just 24 hours before a group stage game against Australia, United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino suggested it would be a longshot for Christian Pulisic to play.

  according to Newsweek

• United States of America forward Christian Pulisic (10) reacts against Panama during the second half of a Concacaf Nations League semifinal match at SoFi Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP But with Pulisic out, the mountain to climb just got a little higher.

  according to Fox News

• Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that's' designed for football 'from £4.50 per month when taken along a Sky TV and Netflix package.

  according to The Mirror

• Currently playing his club soccer for Italian giants AC Milan, Pulisic completed 18 of his 22 passes, created two chances, had four successful dribbles, made two tackles, drew a foul and won seven ground duels in just 45 minutes.

  according to The Seattle Times

• Learn more Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

  according to The Mirror

• However, the 27-year-old was brought off at half-time due to a calf injury, and has been forced to undertake ‘modified training sessions’ away from teammates in the days since.

  according to Metro

• Pulisic started USA’s opening game of the tournament, providing the assist for Folarin Balogun ’s first goal in what was a bright first-half display from the AC Milan winger.

  according to Metro

• Pochettino said the Hershey, Penn., native has put in “massive effort” to be available against Australia, and added Pulisic will almost certainly be available for the Americans’ final group-stage game.

  according to The Seattle Times

• Just as the USMNT were gearing up to begin their second FIFA World Cup group-stage fixture against Australia, a sudden and unexpected setback emerged from inside the camp only moments before kickoff.

  according to Hindustan Times

• Manager Mauricio Pochettino announced the news on FOX Sports' pregame show.

  according to Fox News

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• Pochettino admitted it was "a little bit sad" that Pulisic won't be able to see the field as the U.S. star wanted to play for his teammates.

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• Christian Pulisic, the United States’ star forward, was ruled out of the USMNT’s World Cup game against Australia Friday, coach Mauricio…

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• The United States and Australia kick off at 3 p.m. ET.

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Sources6 sources cross-checked

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