"We didn't want to take any risks": US head coach Pochettino on Pulisic injury
California, June 13
United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has provided an injury update on Christian Pulisic, saying the team chose not to take any risks during the second half after the 27-year-old suffered a kick to his calf during the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Paraguay on Friday.
Pochettino said Pulisic was struck on the calf during the game and subsequently began to feel tightness, prompting the decision to withdraw him at half-time as a precaution, according to The Athletic.
"We didn't want to take any risks," Pochettino said, explaining the decision to withdraw Pulisic at half-time during the FIFA World Cup 2026 clash, as quoted by The Athletic
Coming to the clash, Host United States opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign dominantly, securing a 4-1 victory over Paraguay, powered by standout performances from Folarin Balogun and Pulisic.
Balogun scored twice, while Pulisic delivered a commanding display, constantly troubling the Paraguayan defence and playing a key role in multiple attacking moves as the hosts controlled proceedings from the start.
The USA took an early lead in the 7th minute when Pulisic split the defence with a brilliant pass to Weston McKennie, which ultimately resulted in Damian Bobadilla turning the ball into his own net. Balogun then doubled the advantage in the 31st minute, finishing a precise cross from Pulisic.
The forward added his second goal deep into stoppage time (90+8'), dribbling past two defenders before sealing a comfortable win for the hosts, who were in full control throughout the match.
Paraguay briefly reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute through Mauricio Magalhães, but failed to mount a sustained comeback against a dominant US side.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino opted to rest Pulisic at half-time, replacing him with Sebastian Berhalter, as the USA managed their squad with an eye on a long tournament ahead.
Late in the match, Gio Reyna added further gloss to the scoreline with a stunning strike from distance, finding the top corner to cap off an emphatic opening win for the hosts.
In another Group fixture, Canada began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Cyle Larin scoring a late equaliser in the 78th minute to rescue a point.
The United States will next face their upcoming Group opponent in Seattle, while Canada will take on Qatar in their next match in Vancouver.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see them being cautious with Pulisic. The World Cup is a marathon, not a sprint. But I hope he's back for the next match—USA needs him against stronger opponents. Also, that own goal by Paraguay was unlucky!
Pochettino is a world-class manager, no doubt. But I feel like they could have given Pulisic at least 15-20 minutes in the second half to assess the situation. Yaar, these modern coaches are too cautious sometimes! Still, 4-1 is a great result for the hosts. Balogun looking sharp!
The right call. No need to be a hero in June when you need him in July. USA's depth is decent enough to handle Paraguay without him. That Reyna goal was absolute class though! 🚀
As an Indian football fan who watches a lot of international football, I think this is sensible management. Pulisic was already doing the damage in the first half—one goal involvement and a brilliant assist. Why risk him when the game was under control? Also, Canada drawing with Bosnia shows how competitive this group is!
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