Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Christian Pulisic injury concerns have become the main talking point before United States men’s national team face Turkey national football team in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup group match.
The United States have already secured first place in Group D, meaning Thursday night’s match against Turkey will not affect their Round of 32 place. The issue matters because Mauricio Pochettino must decide whether Pulisic needs minutes after a calf problem or whether resting him is the smarter move before the knockout stage.
For more World Cup scoring coverage, read World Cup Golden Boot 2026: Lionel Messi Leads Scoring Race Ahead of Mbappe, while official tournament updates are available through the FIFA World Cup 2026 page.
Pulisic Call Carries Real Risk
Pulisic is expected to play in some form, either from the start or off the bench, despite the match having no effect on the standings.
That creates a clear risk-reward problem for the United States. A short run may help his match fitness, but another setback would leave the team without its most important attacker when the tournament becomes far more serious.
The safer call would be to give Pulisic more recovery time and prepare him for the Round of 32.
Even if he is limited to 45 or 60 minutes in the next match, that would likely offer more value than using him against an already-eliminated Turkey side.
Knockout Stage Must Come First
The United States are expected to face Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team in the Round of 32, although the source described that opponent as likely rather than confirmed.
Pochettino’s side can use the Turkey match to rest key players, manage workload and protect the squad after clinching the group early. That is a rare position for the United States men’s national team at a World Cup.
The Americans have bigger aims than one group match with no bracket effect.
If Pulisic is central to those hopes, the strongest argument is that he should be saved for the matches that can actually end the campaign.
