USA v Turkey LIVE: Christian Pulisic return latest and team news for World Cup 2026 match

The major question revolves around USA star Christian Pulisic, who was substituted at half-time in their opening win over Paraguay before missing the victory against Australia altogether.

“It was impossible for him today to play,” Mauricio Pochettino said, referring to the forward’s hamstring injury. “We hope that next game he will be available, but if we want to win the competition, we need the whole team. All of the players need to be important but of course Christian is one of the best players in the world and I hope that he can recover as soon as possible and can show it on the pitch and help the team.”

The United States are guaranteed Group D winners while Turkey will definitely finish bottom – yet there is still plenty Mauricio Pochettino can learn, not least about the fitness of key man Christian Pulisic ahead of the knockout stage, writes Kieran Jackson in Los Angeles.

It’s been a dream start to the World Cup for the United States. With excitement around the USMNT growing, can they continue their momentum against Turkey in Los Angeles to bolster their emerging status as tournament contenders?

The USA, on paper, have nothing to play for. After wins over Paraguay and Turkey, they are safely through to the knockout stages as winners of Group D. Turkey, too, have no skin in the game. They are already out after two defeats.

But the USA will want to fuel the belief that this could be a special summer, as Mauricio Pochettino’s team returns to the So-Fi Stadium in Los Angeles, the scene of their impressive opening victory over Paraguay.

Kick off is at 5pm PT / 7pm CT / 8pm ET, which works out to 3am BST.