Christian Pulisic Injury News Emerges Before USA vs. Turkey
Christian Pulisic watched as Folarin Balogun and the USMNT defeated Australia 2-0 in their second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the win, the USA improved to 2-0 in Group D, earning six points and securing its spot atop the group and in the round of 32 ahead of its final group-stage match against Arda Guler and Turkey.
Pulisic has arguably become the USA's best player since joining the team in 2016. The AC Milan winger has helped lead the United States to its second straight World Cup appearance, providing the assist to Balogun for the opening goal in the USA's 4-1 victory over Paraguay. However, Balogun has emerged as a star in his own right this tournament, scoring twice in the opener and forcing an own goal against Australia.
While the USMNT have had plenty to celebrate over the last week, Christian Pulisic was unable to play in the group-clinching win over Australia. Against Paraguay, he aggravated a left calf injury after taking a kick to the area, forcing him to exit the match at halftime. The injury forced the USMNT to rule Pulisic day-to-day, with the star completing individual practice all of last week.
But to begin practice on Monday, Pulisic was seen taking the field alongside his teammates for the first time since the USMNT's World Cup opener. Not only that, but Pulisic also was not wearing the calf sleeve he had worn throughout practice last week.
"Christian Pulisic (calf) takes the field with his USMNT teammates for the first time since the opener vs. Paraguay," the Sporting Tribune's Zach Cavanagh wrote on X. "Pulisic did individual modified training all last week and was out against Australia on Friday. #USMNT play Türkiye on Thursday."
Christian Pulisic (calf) takes the field with his USMNT teammates for the first time since the opener vs. Paraguay.
— Zach Cavanagh (@ZachCav) June 22, 2026
Pulisic did individual modified training all last week and was out against Australia on Friday.#USMNT play Türkiye on Thursday.@SportingTrib | #FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/eoJsfOuulA
The USMNT will face Turkey on Thursday at 10:00 p.m. ET, but with little left to play for, many of the starters could get the day off ahead of the knockout round.
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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 1:20 PM.