Pulisic Reports 100% Fitness Ahead of Crucial World Cup Showdown
Team USA has already secured their position atop Group D in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following successful victories against Paraguay and Australia in their opening matches. However, the fitness of star player Christian Pulisic remains a significant point of discussion for the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT). Pulisic was sidelined for the game against Australia due to a calf injury sustained in the first half of their opening fixture against Paraguay.
In a recent conversation, Pulisic conveyed his current physical state heading into the team’s final group stage encounter against Türkiye. “Yeah, I’m feeling great. I think the team’s feeling great,” Pulisic stated. “I’ve been able to join the team the last few days, and I’m feeling healthy and ready to go for this game.”
Confidence in Recovery and Readiness
When pressed on whether he felt completely recovered, Pulisic responded affirmatively. “Yeah, I would say so,” he confirmed. “I would say definitely yesterday I felt very close, and I would say 100%.” This news is undoubtedly a positive development for the USMNT as they prepare for the knockout stages.
The central question now revolves around head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s strategy for the upcoming match. With the group stage outcome already decided, the decision to play Pulisic carries the risk of further injury. The team has performed admirably to win their first two matches, and securing Pulisic’s full fitness for the critical Round of 32 – a win-or-go-home scenario – is paramount.
Conversely, Pulisic has only managed to play a single half of football thus far in the tournament. Engaging in some competitive game time against an external opponent, rather than solely participating in practice sessions, could prove beneficial. Maintaining momentum and achieving a comfortable rhythm, even for an experienced World Cup veteran like Pulisic, could be advantageous before the intensity of the Round of 32.
Information regarding player selections for the match has not yet been communicated to the squad. Coach Pochettino also faces a delicate situation with four players currently carrying yellow cards: Antonee Robinson, Chris Richards, Folarin Balogun, and Tyler Adams. An additional booking for any of these players would lead to a one-match suspension, making them unavailable for the crucial Round of 32 tie.
Past Injury Concerns and Future Outlook
Pulisic has experienced injury concerns leading up to the World Cup, having limited playing time since early May. He made three substitute appearances for his club, AC Milan, and did not complete a full match in any of the three pre-tournament friendlies for the U.S. Despite this, Pulisic has previously indicated that consistent minutes do not necessarily dictate his level of sharpness on the field.
The decision on whether the fully fit star will feature on Thursday evening in Los Angeles rests with Pochettino. Following their 3-1 victory on Wednesday, projections suggest the United States will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.
