Christian Pulisic says substitution was precaution, hopes kicked leg ‘is nothing’

World CupChristian Pulisic says substitution was precaution, hopes kicked leg ‘is nothing’U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino says he hopes Pulisic will be available for the team’s next game on Thursday.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Christian Pulisic of the United States walks off at the end of the first half during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between the U.S. and Paraguay on Friday in Los Angeles.Jamie Squire / Getty ImagesShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJune 13, 2026, 12:58 AM EDT / Updated June 13, 2026, 1:02 AM EDTBy Andrew GreifINGLEWOOD, Calif. — U.S. men’s soccer star Christian Pulisic was substituted off at halftime of the team’s World Cup opener Friday against Paraguay after he could not loosen up his left calf, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Pochettino said Pulisic had been kicked two days before Friday’s 4-1 victory, in which Pulisic played superbly during the first half, including an assist on a goal by Folarin Balogun. But at halftime, Pulisic could not warm up and the U.S. team substituted him as a precaution while holding a 3-0 lead.“Hope that is not a big issue,” Pochettino said. “That was so rushed, because (it) was in the last minute that we need to change and to do the substitution. But now I think it’s better, and hope for the next game he will be available.” Friday’s game was the first World Cup game held on U.S. soil since 1994. The U.S. next plays Thursday against Australia in Seattle. Add NBC News to GoogleU.S. Men’s National Team makes World Cup debut02:03“I just got a bit of a kick in the first half, so I’m really hoping that it’s nothing,” Pulisic said. “Taking a little bit of a precaution today but I’m hoping I’ll be fine in the next few days. “I’ve had similar things before and yeah, I’m staying positive. I don’t think it’s anything at all.”More from the World CupThey came for the World Cup. They fell in love wit...