Christian Pulisic has sparked concern over an injury for the USA after his superb first-half display in the Group D World Cup 2026 opener against Paraguay.
The Milan winger shone at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, and played a major part in two goals as Mauricio Pochettino’s side stormed into a 3-0 lead.
But the USA coach removed his talisman at the break due to a calf problem, with Pochettino taking no risks with his No 10.
"He received a kick in his calf and he felt tight at the end of the first half,” Pochettino said. “We didn't want to take any risks. It was difficult for him to walk but hope that it is not a big issue and he can be ready for the next one."
‘Captain America’ was replaced by Sebastian Berhalter after the interval, with USA completing a sensational 4-1 win at SoFi Stadium.
“That's not a tactical substitution,” Fox pundit Stu Holden remarked during co-commentary duties. “For your star player, something has to be up.”
While Fox did report that Pulisic had motioned to his family and friends in the crowd: “I'm good”.
And the 27-year-old was seen on his feet throughout the second half and appeared to show no signs of serious discomfort.
After Gio Reyna’s fourth goal for the USA, the bench stormed onto the pitch to celebrate, with Pulisic also able to join the group.
Pulisic was excellent during the first half, operating from the left and surging past Paraguay defenders with Pochettino’s attack impressing throughout.
The former Chelsea star’s run led to the first goal, a Damian Bobadilla own-goal, before another impressive run and cut-back saw Folarin Balogun double the USA’s lead.
Balogun would add a third before the break to complete a performance that Alexi Lalas suggested as one of the greatest first-half group stage performances in Fifa World Cup history.
And despite Mauricio pulling one back for Paraguay, Reyna’s late strike added some shine to a magnificent display by the co-hosts.
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