Paraguay’s defender #15 Gustavo Gomez (C) and midfielder #17 Alejandro Romero Gamarra fight for the ball with US defender #05 Antonee Robinson during the 2026 World Cup Group D football match between USA and Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP)
United States star Christian Pulisic played down injury concerns after he was hooked at half-time in the World Cup co-hosts’ 4-1 opening win over Paraguay, telling journalists it was just a precaution.
“I just got a bit of a kick in the first half so I’m really hoping that it’s nothing. Taking a little bit of precaution today. But I’m hoping I’ll be fine in the next few days,” said Pulisic.
The AC Milan forward is the US team’s talisman, shouldering the weight of a nation’s expectations as they try to make history with a deep run in a World Cup in which all of their games will be played on home soil.
Pulisic was a constant menace in a rampant first half, providing an assist as well as helping create Paraguay’s own goal with a clever one-two with Weston McKennie.
