Dan Dakich discusses the U.S. men's national soccer team's dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Christian Pulisic tried to get healthy in time for the United States Men’s National Team’s second World Cup game, but one week was not enough time.

After injuring his calf in the World Cup opener and hardly practicing all week, the United States will not have its superstar on the pitch against Australia. 

Manager Mauricio Pochettino announced the news on FOX Sports' pregame show, saying Ricardo Pepi will be in the starting lineup instead.

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USMNT star Christian Pulisic was subbed out before the second half of the team's World Cup opener against Paraguay. (Gary Vasquez-Imagn Images)

Pulisic, who had an assist in the win over Paraguay, suffered a calf injury that led to him being subbed out after the first half last week.

Pochettino was asked constantly about Pulisic’s status for Friday and stayed mum for the most part – evidently, understandably so.

On Thursday, Pochettino said his star player was "much better" than when he suffered the injury and would at the very least be available for their final group stage game next week against Turkey.

Pochettino said the staff and Pulisic would meet Thursday night – apparently, if that meeting happened, it was not promising.

Pochettino added that Pulisic was making a "massive effort trying to be ready," understanding that the U.S. star wants to be out on the pitch with the rest of his teammates.

United States forward Christian Pulisic controls the ball past Paraguay midfielder Andrés Cubas in the first half of a FIFA World Cup 2026 match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. (Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)

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During the team’s practice on Thursday, Pulisic did much of what he’s been seen doing all week – performing a modified training session and not participating with the rest of the team during the media portion.

Sebastian Berhalter came on at halftime for Pulisic in the opener, while starting midfielder Malik Tillman raised his already impressive game in Pulisic’s absence.

With Australia defeating Turkey in its first World Cup match, this bout between these two teams will determine who takes sole possession of first place in Group D.

With a victory, it would be the first time since the very first World Cup that the United States won back-to-back games in the tournament. The winner of this match will clinch a spot in the Round of 32.

United States of America forward Christian Pulisic (10) reacts against Panama during the second half of a Concacaf Nations League semifinal match at SoFi Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

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But with Pulisic out, the mountain to climb just got a little higher.

Fox News’ Scott Thompson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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