United States’ Christian Pulisic attends a coaching session forward of a FIFA World Cup match in opposition to Turkey in Irvine, Calif., Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
IRVINE, Calif. — Christian Pulisic says he feels “great” now after lacking one World Cup match with a calf harm, and he hopes to play for the U.S. in its remaining group match in opposition to Turkey tonight.
Pulisic performed a dynamic first half within the Americans’ historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay to open their dwelling World Cup practically two weeks in the past, however the AC Milan midfielder got here off at halftime after an harm from coaching stiffened up.
Pulisic mentioned he practically performed within the U.S.’ 2-0 victory over Australia final Friday however was held out to get nearer to full health for the video games forward. He has returned to apply along with his teammates this week after understanding on his personal final week earlier than the journey to Seattle.
“I’m hoping to play a part in (the match against Turkey), for sure,” Pulisic mentioned earlier than the U.S. coaching session Wednesday at Great Park. “I’ll discuss that with my coaches and the medical staff. Obviously not a good chance I’ll probably go and play 90 (minutes) right away after you come back and miss a game, but we’ll see.”
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino hasn’t mentioned how he’ll deal with the ultimate group match, which is meaningless for each groups. The Americans are locked into first place of their group, whereas Turkey has been eradicated from knockout-round rivalry.
Pulisic hopes the plan consists of a minimum of some enjoying time for him because the U.S. ramps up for its Round-of-32 match in Santa Clara, California, on July 1. While Pulisic’s calf harm robbed him of 1 probability on the World Cup stage, he felt sure he wouldn’t be out for lengthy.
“I never feared anything worse,” Pulisic mentioned. “I was pushing, and I was really close to trying to be available for the last game, for sure. I did feel a little something (against Paraguay), but I definitely was able to push through in the first half and just get me through. But yeah, it wasn’t quite ready, but it wasn’t anything where I feared anything worse than what it was.”
With no stakes for the U.S. in opposition to Turkey, Pochettino appears probably to present some relaxation to key gamers in his beginning lineup whereas giving just a few of his reserves probably their solely alternative to hit the sector. That sounds nice to beginning central defender Chris Richards, who thinks a while off wouldn’t be a hindrance.
“Our trainings are pretty intense,” Richards mentioned. “I think fitness won’t be an issue. I don’t think sharpness will be, either. Obviously it’s good to keep into some sort of rhythm, but I think these guys deserve it if they get the chance (Thursday). I think we’ll be fine when it comes to the next game.”
Pulisic was visibly excited as a spectator through the Americans’ win in Seattle, celebrating alongside along with his teammates as they capably dealt with a second straight opponent for his or her workforce’s first consecutive World Cup victories since 1930. The U.S. offensive efficiency with out its most achieved attacking participant, significantly within the first half in opposition to Australia, happy Pulisic enormously.
“It’s not surprising to me,” Pulisic mentioned. “I see what this team can do. We have depth. We have really strong players in a lot of positions. I don’t need to do everything. It’s such a strong team. These guys, everyone has each other’s backs. That’s what so fun about it, and to see the way the team performance that we’ve put in, especially the way we’ve started the games, has been fun to watch.”