World Cup 2026: Pulisic Uncertain for Australia Clash; US Hopes for Knockout Berth
Alexander Hoad
Christian Pulisic's left calf injury casts doubt on his participation in the USMNT's crucial Group D match against Australia. Both teams can secure a knockout berth with a win. The match in Seattle will determine much about the group's final standings.
After just one round of Group D matches, both the United States and Australia have a major opportunity to advance to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup. Their showdown in Seattle on Friday (19:00 GMT) will be decisive.
The U.S. started impressively with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay. Meanwhile, Australia stunned Turkey 2-0 with a brilliant counter-attacking performance. The results in Seattle and the later match between Paraguay and Turkey in Santa Clara (03:00 GMT) will shape the group standings.
Can Christian Pulisic Play Against Australia?
U.S. star Christian Pulisic sustained a left calf injury during training ahead of the Paraguay match. Despite starting and providing two assists, he was substituted at halftime. At Thursday's training session, Pulisic attended the team meeting but did not train with his teammates, instead heading to the gym with support staff. His left calf remained heavily bandaged.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino said Pulisic is progressing better than last Friday. He stated, "He's doing everything possible to be ready. If he can't play in this match, he will be available for the Turkey game (June 26)."
Teammate Weston McKennie also expressed hope that Pulisic could play, emphasizing that everyone in the squad is fully committed to supporting him.
Who Could Replace Pulisic?
If Pulisic is unavailable, Coach Pochettino has several options. Folarin Balogun is a certain starter after his brace against Paraguay. Giovanni Reyna came off the bench to score the final goal in the 4-1 win. Timothy Weah also made an impact after replacing Sergino Dest. Other choices include Sebastian Berhalter, Brenden Aaronson, and Alejandro Zendejas.
Pochettino said he is evaluating all possibilities and will make a final decision.
Knockout Chances for the U.S. and Australia?
The U.S. can secure a knockout berth immediately if they beat Australia. With six points, they would guarantee a top-two finish in Group D. Furthermore, if they win and the Turkey-Paraguay match ends in a draw or a Paraguay victory, the U.S. would top the group.
Australia faces a similar scenario. A victory against the U.S. would guarantee their advancement. If Turkey loses or draws with Paraguay, Australia would finish first.
Because the tie-breaking rule prioritizes head-to-head results over goal difference, regardless of the final round's outcomes, Australia would rank above Turkey if they have already beaten them in the first match.
Nestory Irankunda – Australia's Young Star
In the opening match, 20-year-old striker Nestory Irankunda made history as the youngest Australian to score at a World Cup. He also became the first foreign-born player to score for Australia at the tournament.
Irankunda was born in Tanzania, where his parents sought refuge after the civil war in Burundi. His family moved to Australia when he was young. He developed at the Adelaide United academy before joining Bayern Munich in 2024. He later moved to Watford in England to gain more playing time.
