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How long is Christian Pulisic out? What we know about USMNT star's injury and World Cup return timeline originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The United States has had plenty go its way in the World Cup, from a favorable draw in Group D to a rout of Paraguay in their opener and the advantages of playing on their home soil.
A calf injury to star Christian Pulisic, however, is a hurdle the Americans might have to overcome.
Pulisic was ruled out for the USA's group stage match against Australia, a week after he was subbed out of the win over Paraguay. Pulisic was replaced in the starting lineup by 23-year-old Ricardo Pepi.
Here's what we know about Pulisic's injury and when he might return.
2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Updated World Cup standings
How long is Christian Pulisic out?
Based on what Pulisic and USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino have said, the 27-year-old has a chance to miss only one match.
Pochettino told reporters on Thursday that the expectation is Pulisic would be ready to face Turkey on June 25 if he had to sit out against Australia, and he reiterated Friday that the "hope is as soon as possible, he can be ready."
It's possible, however, that the USA's Group D finale against Turkey doesn't come with major ramifications. The United States can win the group with a win over Australia and a Turkey loss or draw against Paraguay, which could give Pochettino some more flexibility to rest Pulisic for the knockout stage.
If Pulisic is needed, there seems to be a strong chance he will be able to play six days after missing the match against Australia.
LIVE: Follow USA vs. Australia updates from 2026 World Cup game
How did Christian Pulisic get injured?
Pulisic was subbed off during the United States' win over Paraguay after being kicked in the calf late in the first half. The USA star was previously kicked in the calf in practice two days earlier, Pochettino said, calling Pulisic's removal "precautionary."
After the win, Pulisic told reporters he hoped the injury was "nothing."
"Just the back of my leg, my calf area," Pulisic said. "But I've had similar things before and I'm staying positive. I don't think it's anything at all."
Despite that hope, Pulisic wasn't able to give it a go against Australia. The United States will hope he can get as close to full strength as possible for the remainder of the World Cup.
MORE:What to know about Christian Pulisic replacement Ricardo Pepi
What is Christian Pulisic's injury?
Pulisic is dealing with a left calf injury after taking two kicks to the calf in a span of three days as the World Cup was getting started.
The United States has not disclosed an official injury diagnosis for Pulisic's calf.
After the World Cup-opening game against Paraguay, both Pulisic and Pochettino downplayed the severity of the injury.
"I just got a bit of a kick first half, so I'm really hoping that it's nothing," Pulisic said. "Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I'm hoping I'll be fine the next few days.
"Just the back of my leg, my calf area. But I've had similar things before and I'm staying positive. I don't think it's anything at all."
"He got a kick in the calf and at the end of the first half he started to feel tight and we didn't want to take any risks," Pochettino added. "It was difficult for him to walk. But [we] hope that it's not a big issue and he can be ready for the next one."
USA World Cup schedule 2026
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | Venue |
| June 12 | USA 4, Paraguay 1 | 9 p.m. | SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA) |
| June 19 | USA vs. Australia | 3 p.m. | Lumen Field (Seattle, WA) |
| June 25 | Turkey vs. USA | 10 p.m. | SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA) |
The United States will finish its group stage slate on Thursday against Turkey as they head back to Southern California.
Assuming the U.S. earns a top-two finish in Group D, they will play in the Round of 32 on either Wednesday, July 1 or Friday, July 3.
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