Christian Pulisic has been ruled out for the United States against Australia in tonight's World Cup 2026 Group D match. The USA started their campaign with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay, but Pulisic limped off at half-time with a calf strain. He trained separately ahead of the showdown, leaving coach Mauricio Pochettino no choice but to leave him out. Ricardo Pepi replaces him in the starting XI.
Australia's Lineup Changes
Australia, who stunned Turkey 2-0 in their first game, made two changes. Nestory Irankunda, who scored a stunning goal in the opener, is benched in favor of Mathew Leckie. Conor Metcalfe is also sacrificed, with Nishan Velupillay coming in. The defensive back five remains unchanged, including centre-backs Harry Souttar and Cameron Burgess.
Confirmed Lineups
USA XI: Reese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson; Adams, Tillman; Dest, McKennie, Pepi; Balogun
Australia XI: Beach; Italiano, Circati, Souttar, Burgess, Bos; Metcalfe, O'Neill, Okon-Engstler, Irankunda; Toure
The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Seattle Stadium, and is broadcast on BBC.
