USA vs Paraguay LIVE: Pochettino gives Pulisic injury update after co-hosts get World Cup 2026 off to a perfect start

Mauricio Pochettino has provided an update on Christian Pulisic’s fitness after taking off his star winger at half-time.

“He got a kick in his calf and was feeling tight at the end of the first half,” he said. “We would rather not take any risks.

“It was difficult for him to walk but hopefully it’s not a big problem and he can be ready for the next one.”

Folarin Balogan takes the lead in the World Cup Golden Boat Race!

Yes, it’s only been five games. But the US striker is still the first player to win the tournament, meaning he leaps to the top of the goalscoring charts.

It may take a little more to stay there, remember.

Christian Pulisic has sparked injury concerns for the United States after his impressive first-half performance in their Group D World Cup 2026 opener against Paraguay.

But the USA coach removed his talisman at the break with a lack of explanation as to why, with some suggesting Pochettino was keen to rest the No. 10.

The USA got off to a great start to their World Cup 2026 campaign against a lacklustre Paraguay side with Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun leading the way for the hosts.

The fast pace set by Mauricio Pochettino spelt disaster for the South Americans, with a Damian Bobadilla own goal giving the hosts the lead. And the second followed soon after, Pulisic racing down the left back to Balogun, who made no mistake with a clinical finish. The Monaco striker then hammered home a third to complete a stunning first-half performance.

Pulisic would come on at the break, with Pochettino questioning the reasons for the decision, and Paraguay’s Mauricio sparked hopes of a famous comeback with a second-half goal. But Gio Reyna ensured the hosts finished the match on a high, curling beautifully with the outside of his foot to add the USA’s fourth with the final kick of the game.

The final whistle blows!

Incredible performance from the hosts.

It was a perfect ending to a perfect beginning!

Gio Reyna’s stunning Travailla finish took the USA past the four-goal barrier, the first time they have accomplished the feat in a World Cup match in their history.

90+7 mins: The Americans end with a flurry. McKinney comes down the left and tries to find Peppy as they look for fourth down, but Alderett gets there to throw.

90+6 mins: The USA are almost there…

90+3 mins: Paraguay defending valiantly again as Robinson attempts a cutback, desperately trying to clear.

They eventually take it to the opposition half but as America tries to come back, Adams has his shirt pulled by Alonso. He enters the book.