United States captain Christian Pulisic downplayed concerns about his fitness after being substituted at half-time during his team’s game Victory over Paraguay 4-1 in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The AC Milan forward was one of the standouts in a dominant first-half display at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, helping the tournament co-hosts kick off their campaign with a convincing win that moved them top of Group D.
Pulisic is optimistic about his fitness
Pulisic was involved in several key attacking moments before leaving the field at half-time. He provided an assist and also played a part in Paraguay’s own goal after combining effectively with Weston McKennie.
Speaking after the game, the 27-year-old revealed his substitution was only a precaution after picking up a knock during the first half.
“I just got a little knock in the first half, so I really hope it’s nothing. I’m taking a little precaution today. But hopefully I’ll be fine in the next few days,” Pulisic said.
The United States hope to have their captain available by the end of the group stage, with key games against Australia and Turkey still to come.
Pulisic later explained that the discomfort was around his left calf, but expressed confidence that it would not sideline him.
“Kind of my (left) calf area. But I’ve had similar things before… I’m staying positive. I don’t think it’s anything,” he added.
Pochettino explains the substitution
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino also commented on the decision to retire Pulisic, pointing out that the coaching staff did not want to take unnecessary risks with one of the team’s most influential players.
“We didn’t want to take any chances,” said the Argentine manager.
The former Chelsea star remains key to the United States’ ambitions to make a deep run at the World Cup, which is being held on home soil for the first time in more than three decades.
Despite the convincing win, Pulisic insisted the team must remain focused and continue to improve as the tournament progresses.
“An amazing start, but we still have a lot to do,” he said.
The Americans face Australia in Seattle on Friday before taking on Turkey in their final Group D game on June 25. Paraguay, meanwhile, remained at the bottom of the standings after suffering defeat in their first game.
