Christian Pulisic Explains Halftime Substitution Amid Injury Concern as USMNT Win World Cup Opener

Christian Pulisic explained why he was substituted at halftime during the United States men's national team's 4-1 win over Paraguay in its opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday.

"I just got a bit of a kick in the first half, so I'm really hoping that it's nothing," Pulisic said after the victory, per Fox Sports' Doug McIntyre. "Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I'm hoping I'll be fine the next few days."

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that Pulisic was "subbed off as a precaution," via Tom Bogert of The Athletic.

Before the second half of Friday's matchup started, Pulisic was replaced by Sebastian Berhalter.

The USMNT held a 3-0 lead at the time, as Pulisic was a major reason for the squad's strong start.

In the seventh minute, he connected with Weston McKennie before a pass was deflected into the back of the net for an own goal.

24 minutes later, a pass from Pulisic found Folarin Balogun to give the United States a 2-0 advantage.

The USMNT will hope that Pulisic's health improves before its second World Cup match, as the 27-year-old already amassed 33 goals and 20 assists in 86 international appearances throughout his career prior to Friday's action.

The United States' next group stage match is against Australia on June 19.