The U.S. men’s national team are less than 48 hours away from taking on Australia in its second FIFA World Cup group stage match and one major question remains unanswered, will Christian Pulisic be available?
Pulisic played just 45 minutes in last Friday’s 4-1 romp over Paraguay, later confirming that he was substituted at halftime due to a calf injury. The 27-year-old was a lively performer in the first half, helping force the opening own goal by Paraguay before later setting up Folarin Balogun for the first of his two goals on the night.
Sebastian Berhalter replaced Pulisic at halftime at SoFi Stadium and could be called on again this Friday if Pulisic is unable to start or play at all. In addition, fellow attackers Tim Weah, Brenden Aaronson, and Gio Reyna are also potential options for head coach Mauricio Pochettino to consider.
With Pulisic’s status unknown for Friday’s match, here are six potential options to fill his spot in the starting lineup:
1.) Gio Reyna
One of Pochettino’s options to replace Pulisic was a goalscorer against Paraguay.
Gio Reyna played just eight minutes in the victory, but did deliver one of his best-ever finishes in a USMNT shirt. The attacking midfielder came off the bench and confidently sent a missile into the bottom-left corner of the Paraguay net.
Although starts have been hard to find for Reyna under Pochettino, the Argentine head coach continues to trust the 23-year-old. However, Pochettino might stay with Reyna off the bench as a way to provide a late spark once again.
2.) Sebastian Berhalter
Another option is Pulisic’s replacement from Friday night.
Sebastian Berhalter subbed on for his injured teammate and played 45 minutes in the victory. Berhalter might not be used as advanced as Pulisic is in the formation, but he could plugged in deeper in defense, allowing Malik Tillman to advance higher as an attacker.
Berhalter did not feature against Australia last fall, but previously admitted he is looking forward to the physical challenge that the Socceroos pose.
3.) Tim Weah
Tim Weah was also used in a substitute role against Paraguay and is another candidate to start in Pulisic’s absence.
Weah played 18 minutes off the bench, having 17 touches in his cameo. Although Weah mainly featured as a full back/wingback at Marseille this past season, a shift to an attacking role is more up his alley with the USMNT.
Pochettino could even decide to shift Sergino Dest to the left side and put Weah on the right side of midfield, a role he is more used to for club and country.
4.) Alex Zendejas
Alex Zendejas has only played 14 minutes since his club season ended but Pulisic’s absence could force him into a starting role on Friday.
Zendejas made a late cameo in the USMNT’s 3-2 win over Senegal before not featuring in their 2-1 loss to Germany. Despite a strong club season for Club America, the 28-year-old is one of the USMNT’s bench options at the World Cup, falling behind Weah, Berhalter, and others on the depth chart.
However, given some of his positive performances under Pochettino last year, Zendejas does have a chance.
5.) Brenden Aaronson
A more experienced option would be Brenden Aaronson.
Aaronson has played just 18 minutes for the USMNT since his club campaign with Leeds United ended. The veteran midfielder has earned 58 caps to date for his country and is the most familiar to playing in the Pulisic role.
Minutes may have been scarce for Aaronson in 2026, but he shouldn’t be ruled out of a starting opportunity.
6.) Cristian Roldan
Cristian Roldan featured in last fall’s 2-1 win over the Socceroos, registering two assists on a pair of Haji Wright goals.
The Seattle Sounders midfielder may find it tough for playing time this summer, but is an option, especially on his home turf at Lumen Field. Similar to Berhalter, Roldan may be used more defensively alongside Tyler Adams, allowing Malik Tillman to shift into an advanced role.
Do you think Pulisic will be ready in time for Friday’s match? If he is available, do you expect him to start of come off the bench? If he cannot go, who do you want to take his place?
Share your thoughts below.