US star Christian Pulisic played down injury concerns after being hooked at half-time in the World Cup hosts’ 4-1 opening win over Paraguay, telling reporters it was just a precautionary measure.
«I got a bit of a kick in the first half, so I really hope it’s nothing. Take a little precaution today. But I hope I’ll be fine in the next few days,» Pulisic said.
The AC Milan striker is the talisman of the US team, carrying the weight of a nation’s expectations as they attempt to make history with a deep performance in a World Cup in which all their matches are played on home soil.
Pulisic was a constant threat in a rampant first half. He provided an assist and helped create Paraguay’s own goal with a clever one-two with Weston McKennie.
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But he was taken off the pitch at half-time and later told reporters he had been hit in ‘the back of my leg’.
«Kind of in my (left) calf area. But I’ve had similar things before… I’m staying positive. I don’t think it’s anything at all.»
Coach Mauricio Pochettino also said the striker was substituted because «we didn’t want to take any risks.»
The US will hope Pulisic is right after the convincing win, with games scheduled against Australia and Turkey on Friday.
“An incredible start, but there is still a lot more we need to do,” said Pulisic.
Published on June 13, 2026
