Christian Pulisic said he expects to be fine after being substituted at half-time of the USMNT’s 4-1 World Cup opening win over Paraguay, explaining that a kick to the back of his left calf in the first half had prompted a precautionary withdrawal.
“I just got a bit of a kick in the 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 in the next few days.”
With the United States holding a comfortable 3-0 lead at half-time, manager Mauricio Pochettino opted to bring on Sebastian Berhalter in Pulisic’s place rather than risk aggravating the injury. The team now has a full week to allow Pulisic to recover before their second group match against Australia in Seattle next Friday.
While on the pitch, Pulisic was the USMNT’s standout performer, taking on defenders one-on-one with confidence, playing a key role in the build-up to the team’s opening goal and providing the assist for Folarin Balogun’s second. Reflecting on the performance, Pulisic said: “I don’t think I’m surprised. I’ve seen us play like this recently. The guys were up for it. We gave the ability to play, do the things that we do on the ball, score goals. But today just the effort, everything was there.”
The match was preceded by a moment of support from the White House. The USMNT released footage of a phone call made by President Trump to the squad on Thursday night, in which he offered encouragement ahead of what is being framed as one of the biggest moments in the team’s history. The 45-second video, posted on the men’s national team’s official X account, showed Andrew Giuliani, the White House’s World Cup czar, connecting the call, with manager Pochettino and captain Tim Ream the only squad members visible — though Giuliani said all 26 players were present in the room. “I just called to say you’re a fantastic guy, a fantastic coach,” Trump told Pochettino. “I know about your record, your success and how great the players are. I think you’ve got a really good chance of going all the way so I just wish you a lot of luck.” Pochettino responded: “Thank you so much for your support Mr President. We are going to do everything to make you proud and all the people here in this country.”
