Emotions were all over the place for USMNT fans in the World Cup opener against Paraguay. In the first 45 minutes of the 4-1 win, Christian Pulisic was downright brilliant, playing a huge role in the first two goals scored by the USA. Then, in a bit of a stunner, he was nowhere to be seen for the start of the second half, subbed off in a bit of a head-scratching move.
Christian Pulisic totally shut me up during USMNT’s World Cup victory over Paraguay
Immediately, fans started to fear the worst with No. 10. Did Pulisic suffer some sort of a serious injury that forced Mauricio Pochettino to have him watch the second half from the bench? Thankfully, FOX's sideline reporter Jenny Taft provided a needed update, as Pulisic signaled to his family in the stands to let them know, 'I'm good.' Fortunately, it seems like Pulisic is just fine, with the hope being that this was more of a load management-type of move.
Christian Pulisic subbed off for the 2nd half had USA fans beyond worried
Despite only playing 45 minutes, Pulisic was downright sensational in this one, providing an assist for Folarin Balogun's first goal of the night. Balogun scored a worldie in stoppage time of the first half, finishing with two on the night. Pulisic also made a brilliant run into the box for the USA's first goal of this 2026 World Cup.
OWN GOAL. 1-0 USA! 🇺🇸
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 13, 2026
THE @USMNT SCORES FIRST AND LOS ANGELES IS ABSOLUTELY ELECTRIC! pic.twitter.com/tEbJU8E9PX
At halftime, the USA was up 3-0. In that second half, though, with Pulisic off of the field, the flow of the game completely changed. It was 100 percent showcased just how much different the attack is when CP is not out on the field. The USA wasn't able to create many chances, while it was Paraguay which was making a bit more noise.
With Pulisic in particular, he's the straw that stirs the drink for this team, and not having him out on the field for an extended period of time is something the USA can't afford. Again, though, all signs are pointing to this being a minor issue for Pulisic, and unless Poch says something different, the expectation is that he'll be good to go for the next matchup against Australia.
Christian Pulisic quickly silenced injury worries after the final whistle
Even before Poch got his press conference underway, though, Pulisic himself delivered the news that everyone was waiting for. According to reporter Ben Jacobs, Pulisic told the media that he was kicked in the back of the leg late in the first half, and his substitution was more of a 'precaution' over anything.
🚨 Christian Pulisic got a kick to the back of his leg and was taken off as a precaution at half-time. “It’s nothing. I was taken off as a precaution.” pic.twitter.com/HSWPJfTA9A
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 13, 2026
Open and shut case. That would make a ton of sense for the USA too, as the American side was up 3-0 at the time. There was no need to bring Pulisic back into play with this contest pretty much wrapped up. Now, the USA will shift its focus to the meeting with Australia in Seattle, as Pulisic is going to be jacked up to have a repeat performance in the second World Cup game of the month for this squad. And from our chair, another strong win should be on the way.
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