Christian Pulisic Diagnosed With Pelvic Contusion After Win vs. Iran

The American captain scored the U.S.’s lone goal on Tuesday to send his team to the knockout round.

Christian Pulisic is considered day-to-day after suffering a pelvic contusion in the U.S. men’s national team win over Iran on Tuesday, the squad announced after the game.

Per Sports Illustrated‘s Brian Straus, Pulisic was back at the team hotel before his teammates returned from the game. 

The forward went down fighting during Tuesday’s make-or-break matchup against Iran, sending the U.S. men’s national team onto the knockout round thanks to his first-half goal. 

But he was sidelined for the second half after a hard collision with the Iran goalkeeper while scoring his first-ever World Cup goal, and the Chelsea winger laid on the ground for several minutes in apparent pain. The trainers treated him in the goal, and although he headed to the sidelines, Pulisic later returned at the end of the first half. 

A USSF spokesperson confirmed after the game that Pulisic does have an abdominal injury and has been taken to the hospital for scans. 

Brenden Aaronson stepped in for Pulisic for the remainder of the game, and the U.S. is headed to the knockout round after the 1–0 victory, slated to play the Netherlands on Saturday at 10 a.m. ET. Pulisic texted midfielder Weston McKennie after the game saying, “Best believe I’ll be ready on Saturday” after McKennie checked in with the soccer star. Now, it will be a waiting game for the U.S. to see if Pulisic is fit enough to play in another must-win matchup. 

• Controversial Offside Call Negates USMNT’s Second Goal vs. Iran
• Inside the Shipping Containers and Cruise Ships Housing World Cup Fans

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.