Christian Pulisic Returns to Training Ahead of FIFA WC 2026 Knockout Stage

Christian Pulisic has returned to training with the USMNT, handing a significant fitness boost to his side ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage.

What happened to Christian Pulisic?

The AC Milan playmaker had missed the team's previous FIFA World Cup group fixture due to a nagging calf injury. He was seen participating in warm-up routines and ball drills during the 15-minute training window open to the media in Orange County. The US team management chose not to issue a formal medical update on the midfielder.

Why it matters for Christian Pulisic

Pulisic's presence on the grass alongside his teammates remains an incredibly encouraging sign for head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The 27-year-old superstar has been limited to just one dynamic half of football in the tournament so far. He heavily orchestrated the hosts’ tournament-opening 4-1 thrashing of Paraguay on the 27th of May 2026.

What comes next for Christian Pulisic?

Pulisic was forced to watch from the sidelines as a clinical US squad cruised past Australia 2-0 in Seattle last Friday. Having spent the intervening days confined to isolated gym sessions, resistance training, and light individual ball work, his return to the main squad suggests his rehabilitation is well on track. And with the knockout stage looming, Pulisic's return to fitness is a welcome boost for the USMNT. But the road to full recovery will be challenging, with Pulisic needing to regain his match sharpness. So the USMNT coaching staff will be closely monitoring his progress in the coming days. The USMNT will be hoping Pulisic can regain his fitness in time for the knockout stage, which kicks off on June 3, 2026.