What's happened
USMNT star Christian Pulisic has returned to practice ahead of the final Group D match against Turkey, with coaches weighing rest vs. time on the field as the team aims to finish the group stage strongly.
What's behind the headline?
Quick take
- Pulisic’s availability is pivotal to the US plan as it shapes attacking options and depth for the knockout rounds.
- Coaches are balancing risk with the need to maintain momentum after a strong 4-1 opener.
- The team has shown resilience and depth, with several players stepping up when Pulisic is unavailable.
What to watch
- Whether Pulisic is named in the starting XI or used as a late substitute against Turkey.
- How replacements like Balogun, Weah, Aaronson, Reyna, or Berhalter adapt if he remains limited.
- The broader strategy as the U.S. eyes top spot in Group D and a favourable Round of 32 matchup.
How we got here
The US hosts the World Cup in 2026, with Group D featuring Paraguay, Australia, Turkey, and the United States. Pulisic suffered a calf injury in training ahead of the Paraguay game, forcing him off at halftime in that match. He has been in and out of training since, with the team managing his workload while the squad pursues a deep run.
Our analysis
AP News and Al Jazeera reports on USMNT practice, Pulisic’s injury status, and Group D context.
Go deeper
- Will Pulisic start against Turkey or come on as a substitute?
- Who slots in if he’s unavailable for the Turkey game?
- What does finishing top of Group D mean for the Round of 32 opponent?
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