Pochettino hopeful Pulisic will start after calf injury

Mauricio Pochettino is hopeful Christian Pulisic will be fit to start the United States' next game after the attacker came off at half-time with a calf injury against Paraguay. The precautionary move came during the Americans' World Cup opener, a win that already put their tournament on the right track.

Pulisic leaves at half-time

Pulisic was substituted at half-time after feeling the calf injury during the match. The change was made as a precaution, and it immediately put the focus on the U.S. attack because he is described as the Americans' star man.

Pochettino's update was the clearest sign the injury may not be a long-term issue. He said he is hopeful Pulisic will be fit enough to start the next game, which keeps the United States from facing a more serious absence in the opening stretch of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

United States win over Paraguay

The result itself still gave the Americans an opening win over Paraguay in their World Cup opener. That matters because the injury happened in a game the United States handled well enough to win, even with its top attacker leaving before the second half was done.

The caution around Pulisic also frames the next step for the United States. A starter-level return would preserve the same attacking shape the team used in its opener, while a longer setback would force a change in the role that makes him central to the side's immediate outlook.

Pochettino and the next game

For now, the focus sits on one player and one timeline: Pulisic, after a precautionary half-time exit, and the next game he is expected to be available for if recovery goes as hoped. The U.S. already banked the win over Paraguay; what happens with him next will shape how far that start can carry.