USMNT’s Mauricio Pochettino reveals who will start for Christian Pulisic vs. Australia

Team USA and Australia meet for the second match of the 2026 World Cup group play in just over one hour. USMNT star Christian Pulisic has already been ruled OUT for this game, as manager Mauricio Pochettino revealed that he will not be available. The squad has decided that they do not want to risk his ongoing calf injury getting any worse.

Pochettino spoke with Jenny Taft of Fox Sports and informed her of who will start in place of Pulisic.

EXCLUSIVE: Ricardo Pepi is starting for the USMNT vs Australia in place of Christian Pulisic, Mauricio Pochettino tells FOX Sports’ @JennyTaft. pic.twitter.com/CC0o9SLkVp

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026

“We decided to go with Ricardo (Pepi) and Flo (Folarin Balogun) as a striker to try and change a little bit of the approach of the offensive situation,” Pochettino said. “The game plan is to always try to be effective with our strengths. I think it’s a very good game today to see the team play with a striker.”

The other 10 players who started against Paraguay will remain in the starting 11. Pepi in for Pulisic is the only change after the lineups have been officially released.

The @USMNT's Starting XI vs Australia pic.twitter.com/4ZFPaXOTQM

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026

The Americans have a real shot on Friday to make a statement. Not only have they proven to fans that they have arrived with a 4-1 already, but to perform at a high level in back-to-back matches could signify that this team has what it takes to make a serious run in this tournament.

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