Christian Pulisic sparks injury fears as he is forced OFF at half-time of USA’s World Cup opener vs Paraguay

CHRISTIAN PULISIC sparked injury fears after being substituted at half-time of the USA’s World Cup opener against Paraguay. The American captain did not emerge for the second half of their 4-1 win and was replaced by Sebastian Berhalter. There was no immediate indication whether the change was tactical or injury-related. But boss Mauricio Pochettino later revealed: “Christian got a kick in the calf and we didn’t want to take a risk because he was finding it a little difficult. Hopefully it is nothing serious and he’ll be ready [for Australia].” Pulisic had played a key role as Pochettino’s side stormed into a commanding lead before the break. The United States headed into half-time 3-0 up thanks to an own goal from Damian Bobadilla and a brilliant brace from Folarin Balogun. Bobadilla inadvertently turned the ball into his own net to hand the hosts the breakthrough before Balogun doubled the advantage. The striker then struck again to put the Americans firmly in control and on course for a dream start to their World Cup campaign. Despite the comfortable scoreline, attention quickly turned to Pulisic when television cameras showed he had been replaced during the interval. Sebastian Berhalter was sent on in his place for the second half as questions immediately emerged over the condition of the USA skipper. Most read in Sport How to buy USMNT World Cup jerseys The 2026 World Cup is HERE and you can support the USMNT with two stylish new jerseys to wear in the tournament. You can rep the boys in the stars and stripes this summer by picking up your own authentic home and away kits. Below you’ll find some places to buy the USMNT’s 2026 World Cup jerseys. *If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue Mauricio’s goal gave Paraguay hope of a comeback but Gio Reyna’s stunning strike sealed the win for the hosts with the last kick of the game. Any injury concern would be a major blow for Pochettino, with Pulisic one of the key figures in the American squad. The former Chelsea and AC Milan star came into the tournament as the team’s talisman and one of the faces of the World Cup.