When we covered the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremonies on June 11, we noted the men of faith worth watching on the USMNT roster. Eight days later, the tournament is very much alive - and so is the question surrounding its most important player.
Where Things Stand
The United States opened its World Cup campaign with a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles, with Folarin Balogun scoring twice and Giovanni Reyna adding a late goal.
The win puts the USMNT in strong position in Group D heading into today's second match.
The Pulisic Question
Christian Pulisic exited the Paraguay match at halftime after taking a kick to the back of his calf. As of June 18, he has not returned to full team training, missing each of the past three sessions.
"He's evolving," manager Mauricio Pochettino told reporters in Seattle on Thursday. "He's much better from Friday. I think Christian is strong and has a great mentality, and he's doing a fantastic effort to be ready as soon as possible."
FOX Sports reporter Jenny Taft reported Pulisic "will be ready to go" vs. Australia, while teammate Tim Weah said, "He looks normal, he's fit." His status remains officially day-to-day.
What's at Stake Today
The USMNT faces Australia today, June 19, at 3 PM ET at Lumen Field in Seattle - a win would go a long way toward clinching advancement out of Group D ahead of the final group match against Türkiye on June 25.
Christian Pulisic has spoken openly about leaning on his faith during injury recoveries throughout his career. Teammate Weston McKennie, whose social media boldly declares "All glory to God," said Thursday that Pulisic appears to be doing "great" mentally.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese - whose Harvard education and Bible study habits we profiled before the tournament - is in net today.
However this afternoon unfolds in Seattle, this is a team that prays together. That is worth noting.
Watch today's match on FOX, Telemundo, or free on Tubi. Kickoff is 3 PM ET.
Related Article: Faith on the Pitch: The USMNT Players Carrying Their Beliefs into the FIFA World Cup 2026
