Haji Wright delivers as USMNT beats Australia 2-1, but Christian Pulisic injury clouds win

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — In a match that tested their depth and resolve, the U.S. men's national team secured a vital 2-1 victory over Australia Tuesday night. But the celebration was tempered by the uncertain fate of star Christian Pulisic, who left the pitch with an injury that could impact their World Cup ambitions.

The night belonged to Haji Wright, whose two-goal performance rescued the Americans. Making his first start in 13 months, Wright answered the call when it mattered most. His first goal in the 33rd minute silenced the Australian supporters, and his second in the 51st minute proved to be the winner.

"Haji stepped up in a huge way," said U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter. "That's what teammates do—you rally when one of your own goes down."

The injury to Pulisic came early in the match, sending a wave of concern through the stadium. The 25-year-old winger, whose form has been critical to the team's recent success, was seen limping off and immediately received medical attention. Team officials later described it as a "lower-body issue" with no immediate timeline for return.

The victory provides a much-needed confidence boost as the U.S. prepares for the 2026 World Cup on home soil. Yet the question remains: can they sustain this level of performance without Pulisic?

Wright's performance offered some reassurance. His physical presence and clinical finishing demonstrated the roster's growing depth. Teammate Tyler Adams emphasized the collective effort: "We showed character tonight. Haji led the way, but this win belongs to everyone who stepped up."

For Australia, the defeat stings but reveals areas for improvement. Coach Graham Arnold acknowledged the U.S. quality but praised his team's resilience: "We fought hard against a top opponent. The lessons here will make us stronger."

As the final whistle blew, the U.S. players gathered in a circle, their relief palpable. But the mood quickly shifted as Pulisic's injury took center stage in post-match discussions. The road to 2026 just became significantly more complicated.

The team will travel to Mexico City for their next match, where Pulisic's status will be the primary storyline. For now, they celebrate Wright's heroics, but their eyes remain fixed on the recovery of their talisman.

For full match details and injury updates, visit the original report on Yahoo Sports.