Pulisic Back In Training As USMNT Faces Turkiye

Sport

By lines

June 24, 2026

Christian Pulisic returned to full USMNT training Monday ahead of the 2026 World Cup finale. The calf injury sidelined Pulisic for one match. Coach Mauricio Pochettino now weighs a Turkiye start for Pulisic.

Pulisic’s Calf Recovery Shapes USMNT’s Turkiye Finale

Christian Pulisic suffered the calf knock around the USMNT opener on June 12. Pulisic then missed the 2-0 win over Australia. The United States still earned six points from the first two matches. Reports described the injury as minor, a kick to the back of the calf.

Christian Pulisic assisted Folarin Balogun in the 31st minute of the 4-1 win over Paraguay. That pass marked Pulisic’s 21st career USMNT assist. Pulisic now owns three World Cup assists, one above Cristiano Ronaldo’s two. Pulisic sits one assist behind Cobi Jones for third on the USMNT all-time list. The opener took place in Los Angeles on June 12.

Christian Pulisic captains the USMNT and starts on the wing for AC Milan. Pulisic created two chances and completed four dribbles against Paraguay. His return adds a proven creator to the USMNT attack. Pochettino values Pulisic as the team’s primary playmaker.

Folarin Balogun scored twice against Paraguay to power the USMNT attack. Alex Freeman added the clincher in the 2-0 win over Australia. Sergino Dest created that goal with a deflected shot in the 43rd minute. An own goal by Cameron Burgess opened the scoring in the 11th minute.

Mauricio Pochettino guided the USMNT to first place in Group D with six points. Australia and Paraguay each hold three points. Turkiye sits on zero points before the June 25 match. The USMNT has won both group games without conceding from open play.

The 2026 World Cup runs on home soil for the United States. The host run has fueled record United States television numbers. Pochettino has leaned on a settled first-choice XI across two games. Chris Richards anchored the defense in the opener against Paraguay.

The United States already clinched the Group D title and a Round of 32 berth. Pochettino can rest Christian Pulisic or build his match sharpness. A heavier workload risks the calf before the knockout round. The Group D finale offers Pulisic low-pressure minutes against winless Turkiye. A cautious cameo protects Pulisic while restoring rhythm.

The United States faces Turkiye on June 25 in the Group D finale. A Christian Pulisic appearance would sharpen the USMNT attack before the Round of 32. Pochettino names his lineup with first place already secured. The knockout draw rewards the group winner with a friendlier path.