SEATTLE — The United States men’s national soccer team could be without star forward Christian Pulisic for its crucial World Cup group-stage match against Australia on Friday as he continues to recover from a left calf injury.

The match is scheduled for 3 p.m. EDT at Lumen Field in Seattle. Both teams opened the tournament with victories, making Friday’s contest significant in determining the top position in the group and favorable seeding for the knockout stage.

The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 in its opening match, while Australia earned a 2-0 victory over Turkey. The winner of Friday’s match will take control of the group standings entering the final round of group-stage play.

Pulisic sustained the injury after a challenge from a Paraguayan defender during the first half of the U.S. opener. He was substituted at halftime and did not return to the match. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter replaced him on the left side.

The United States led 3-0 at halftime, but conceded its only goal after Pulisic left. While the Americans secured a comfortable victory, his absence was evident as the team’s attacking rhythm slowed in the second half.

Sergiño Dest, a midfielder, stressed Pulisic’s value to the team.

“Christian is a really important player for us.On the wing side, he can be quite dangerous, according to Dest.

Pulisic has trained individually throughout the week while continuing his recovery. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said Thursday that a final decision on the forward’s availability would be made closer to kickoff.

“He’s evolving. He’s much better from Friday. We’ll see,” Pochettino said, “I believe that if he is unable on Friday, he will be ready for the following game. He’s making a massive effort trying to be ready.”

If Pulisic is unavailable, midfielder Brenden Aaronson is among the leading candidates to replace him in the starting lineup. Aaronson, who plays for Leeds United, said he is prepared if called upon.

“I’m always ready to play,” Aaronson said. “Hopefully Christian’s going to be ready for the game because he’s a big player to us, and we really want him to be there.”

The United States will conclude group-stage play against Turkey on June 25. Pochettino expressed optimism that Pulisic would be available if he does not play against Australia.

Australia presents a physical challenge for the Americans. The teams most recently met in an international friendly in October 2025, when the United States earned a 2-1 victory in a match marked by frequent fouls and physical play.

During that match, Pulisic left with an injury to his right leg after a challenge by Australian defender Jason Geria.

Midfielder Weston McKennie expects another demanding contest.

“They’re a very physical team,” McKennie said. “They have guys in the back. I believe crosses into the box will be difficult to get past them, and they have speed up top for counterattacks. It’s going to be a battle, and a rough one as well.”

A victory on Friday would position the United States to finish atop the group and improve its path entering the knockout stage. A loss would leave the group standings open heading into the final round of matches.

The availability of Pulisic, the team’s leading attacking threat, remains one of the key storylines as the Americans prepare to face Australia in a match with significant implications for the remainder of their World Cup campaign.