Why did Mauricio Pochettino sub Christian Pulisic off at half? USMNT star only plays 45 minutes vs, Paraguay
· Yahoo Sports
Why did Mauricio Pochettino sub Christian Pulisic off at half? USMNT star only plays 45 minutes vs, Paraguay originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
While the USMNT headed into halftime cruising with a 3-0 lead over Paraguay, star Christian Pulisic followed that break by being subbed off for Sebastian Berhalter.
Visit casino-promo.biz for more information.
This move confused fans, and many began to worry. Pulisic did not appear to play in the first half with an injury, but nothing is known for sure just yet.
Here's a look at why the USMNT star was forced out early in their opening match of the World Cup, and what Pulisic told his family after exiting the pitch.
2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup tickets
Why did Mauricio Pochettino sub Christian Pulisic off at halftime?
It remains unclear why Pulisic was subbed off at the moment. While he appeared to be playing injury-free before heading into halftime up 3-0, nothing is known for certain at the moment. Sebastian Berhalter, the son of former USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter, took his place at the start of the second half.
SUB: Seb for Christian to start the second half. pic.twitter.com/1ieUDtMokF
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 13, 2026
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino will address the media about Pulisic's status after the game, according to Tom Bogert. No further explanation will be given until then.
Mauricio Pochettino will address the Christian Pulisic sub in the postgame press conference, per a team spokesperson. No further explanation/update until then. https://t.co/NqHyZxdPU9
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) June 13, 2026
Further updates will follow regarding Pulisic's status, but he did reportedly motion to his family that he was okay, according to Fox's Jenny Taft. Pulisic's early exit could also be rest-related, and a form of preserving his condition for the team's next game against Australia next week.
MORE USMNT NEWS:
- Why isn't USA better at soccer by now?
- Meet USA's 2026 World Cup soccer team
- How far will the USMNT go in World Cup?
- How USA could play Iran in World Cup
- Mauricio Pochettino's flirtation with AC Milan is not his biggest issue
Is Christian Pulisic injured?
It does not appear that Pulisic left the game injured when he headed into the halftime break. According to Fox sideline reporter Jenny Taft, Pulisic motioned to his family that he was okay following his early exit from the game against Paraguay.
Jenny Taft just said on Fox that he walked by the bench and told his family in the stands that he’s ok…
— Isaac David Saenz (@isaacdsaenz) June 13, 2026
At around the 80-minute mark of the match, Taft further reported that Pulisic had "no signs of discomfort" on the sideline and has been up on his feet since exiting the match.
Updates will follow on Pulisic's status