United States captain Christian Pulisic has played down concerns over his fitness after being substituted at half-time during his side’s 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The AC Milan forward was one of the standout performers in a dominant first-half display at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, helping the tournament co-hosts begin their campaign with a convincing win that moved them to the top of Group D.
Pulisic optimistic over fitness
Pulisic was involved in several key attacking moments before leaving the pitch at the interval. He provided an assist and also played a role in Paraguay’s own goal after combining effectively with Weston McKennie.
Speaking after the game, the 27-year-old revealed that his substitution was merely a precaution after picking up a knock during the first half.
“I just got a bit of a kick in the first half, so I’m really hoping that it’s nothing. Taking a little bit of precaution today. But I’m hoping I’ll be fine in the next few days,” Pulisic said.
The United States hope to have their captain available for the remainder of the group stage, with crucial matches against Australia and Turkiye still to come.
Pulisic later explained that the discomfort was around his left calf but expressed confidence that it would not keep him sidelined.
“Sort of my (left) calf area. But I’ve had similar things before … I’m staying positive. I don’t think it’s anything at all,” he added.
Pochettino explains substitution
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino also addressed the decision to withdraw Pulisic, stressing 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 risks,” the Argentine manager said.
The former Chelsea star remains central to the United States’ ambitions of making a deep run at the World Cup, which is being staged on home soil for the first time in more than three decades.
Despite the emphatic victory, Pulisic insisted the team must remain focused and continue improving as the tournament progresses.
“An incredible start, but there’s a lot more that we still have to do,” he said.
The Americans will face Australia in Seattle on Friday before taking on Turkiye in their final Group D fixture on June 25. Paraguay, meanwhile, remain bottom of the standings after suffering defeat in their opening match.