An intriguing match goes down in Group D of the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the USMNT takes on Australia at Lumen Field, Seattle, today.
Both teams are coming off wins and have a perfect opportunity to secure themselves a spot at the knockout stages of the tournament.
While the USMNT put up an impressive display against Paraguay with a 4-1 win, the Socceroos also grabbed all three points against a tough Turkey side.
Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping that his team will be able to continue the momentum after facing immense pressure in the build up to the tournament.
While the Argentinian will be happy with the performance the team displayed, it is the availability of Christian Pulisic that seems to be a concern for the coaching staff right now.
The AC Milan forward who has been dealing with a calf issue, was forced out at half time against Paraguay raising concerns on his availability for today's match.
Is Christian Pulisic Playing Against Australia?
Addressing the media at the pregame press conference, Pochettino stated that the decision on Pulisic's return was not yet finalised.
"I think tonight, or the day before the game, we have a meeting with our medical area and we will assess the whole group, the players, and tomorrow we will communicate and see all the things that [we] can agree [on] tonight," he said.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Kiyoshi Mio
While he acknowledged that there is a chance the 27-year-old might not feature against Australia, he was confident on Pulisic's return for the third group stage match.
"He's evolving. He's much better from Friday. We'll see. I think at the moment, if we see he's not available for tomorrow, he will be available for the next game."
Pochettino then also added that the forward was in a good place mentally despite missing out on a crucial World Cup match.
“I think he's doing a massive effort trying to be ready. I think for every single player that love their country it's an amazing opportunity to know, to enjoy and to help the team to perform and to win games. When this type of thing happens, it is always painful, but I think Christian is strong and with a great mentality and is doing a fantastic effort to try to be ready as soon as possible."
“We are evaluating all the possibilities, just in case, and then we will decide when we have the confirmation in one or another direction tonight,”
As USMNT take on Australia, Pulisic's return seems highly unlikely and Pochettino might have to look at other options to fill his role.
