Christian Pulisic was sensational for the USA as they thrashed Paraguay in their World Cup 2026 opener - but could have suffered an injury blow
Andrew Gamble and Bruna Reis Senior Sports Journalist
07:53, 13 Jun 2026Updated 08:06, 13 Jun 2026
Christian Pulisic
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Christian Pulisic is a doubt for the USA's match against Australia after sustaining an injury(Image: Getty Images)
Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that former Chelsea star Christian Pulisic was brought off early to avoid 'risks' after sustaining a calf injury during the USMNT's World Cup opener and issued a concerning admission that 'it was difficult for him to walk.'
The World Cup got underway on Thursday as co-hosts Mexico overcame South Africa at the Azteca Stadium. The United States, buoyed by a message of support from Donald Trump, launched its World Cup campaign, drawing a line under months of controversy surrounding FIFA and the tournament itself.
With an entire nation demanding a statement performance, the USMNT duly delivered with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Paraguay. Pulisic and Folarin Balogun were outstanding, with the Monaco striker bagging a brace before Gio Reyna rounded off proceedings with a stunning outside-of-the-boot finish and all this after FIFA endured yet another embarrassment prior to kick-off.
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It was Pulisic who set the tone from the outset for a superb win. Just seven minutes in, the AC Milan winger brilliantly evaded two defenders before squaring the ball to Weston McKennie, whose pass was turned into his own net by Paraguay midfielder Damian Bobadilla.
Pulisic was again the architect for the second, surging down the left flank and delivering a low cross for Balogun, who side-footed a composed finish into the far corner. On the stroke of half-time, Balogun dispossessed a sliding Paraguay defender, cut inside and arrowed a superb strike into the top corner.
With the match effectively settled, Pochettino opted to withdraw Pulisic at the interval. The USA still carried an attacking threat in the absence of their key man, prompting questions over why Pochettino had substituted his standout performer.
Following the final whistle, the USMNT confirmed that Pulisic, who left Chelsea for AC Milan after four years with the club in 2023, had been nursing injury concerns after his outstanding display.
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"He received a kick in his calf, and he felt tight at the end of the first half," ex-Blues boss Pochettino told reporters. "We didn't want to take any risks. It was difficult for him to walk but hope that it is not a big issue and he can be ready for the next one."
Christian Pulisic
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Christian Pulisic in action for the US(Image: Getty Images)
Ultimately, Pochettino was thrilled with the display, which saw the USMNT net four goals in a World Cup fixture for the first time in their history, and claim a three-goal victory for the first time since 1930.
The Argentine tactician lavished praise upon his squad, declaring: "So, so proud. Players and staff deserved big credit for this performance. The most important is the performance and the feeling. We know it is only the start, and it is nothing. It is only one game. Now we need to be intelligent to keep [going] in that direction.
"But we are so happy because the first game is always so difficult, hosting the World Cup, the expectation, but we managed the expectation and pressure. The first 45 minutes were amazing, difficult to find a team to play like this. So happy and so proud."
The USMNT return to action against Australia at Seattle Stadium on Friday, 19 June.
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