IRVINE, Calif. — Christian Pulisic was called day to day by U.S. Soccer before being in a modified training session for a second straight day Tuesday.
Though manager Mauricio Pochettino and players downplayed Pulisic’s injury Monday, it will remain a story and a question mark until the USMNT’s best player rejoins the group.
“For me, he’s looked as he always has,” Tim Weah said prior to training Tuesday. “He looks normal, he looks fit. I think he took a bit of a knock, so he’s been with the trainers on the side, but I think he’ll be ready for the game and be ready to be with the team. I’m just praying to God that he feels 100 percent fit. And he’ll be needed.”
USMNT forward Christian Pulisic (10) challenges for the ball during a World Cup win over Paraguay on June 12, 2026. AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea
Pulisic came off at halftime of the USMNT’s win over Paraguay on Friday after being kicked in the left calf, aggravating a knock he’d picked up in training a few days prior.
After the game, he said he expected to be fine, and Pochettino came over to reporters during Monday’s training and said Pulisic was “good.”
It’s hard to overstate Pulisic’s importance to the USMNT, though, particularly given how well he’s played both in the friendlies leading up to the World Cup and in the opener against Paraguay.
“He’s one of my favorite, favorite players to watch,” Weah said. “Being able to play alongside him for a long time has been amazing. Just the little things that he does, that he’s such a humble player. And I think we get caught up in a lot of the noise, but Christian is amazing. I mean, he showed it against Paraguay.
“His ability and what he’s able to do on the ball is amazing for us. It helps the team. And for me, he’s one of the best players I’ve had, you know, opportunity of playing with. So I’m super proud of him and, you know, hopefully he’ll be ready for our next game.”
As was the case Monday, Pulisic wasn’t spotted Tuesday during the portion of training open to media, as he was working individually in the gym.
Friends and family were in attendance at U.S. training Tuesday.
