Christian Pulisic returned to the field Thursday as the United States men’s national soccer team closed out the group stage of the World Cup with a 3-2 loss to Turkey in Inglewood, California. Although the result was inconsequential to the standings, Pulisic’s appearance was a significant boost for the U.S. ahead of its round-of-32 knockout match against Bosnia and Herzegovina scheduled for Wednesday in Santa Clara, California.

Pulisic, who missed the U.S. game against Australia after sustaining a calf injury in the opening group-stage match against Paraguay on June 12, played approximately 40 minutes against Turkey. He entered the match in the 58th minute for Tim Weah and quickly began influencing the game with sharp runs, ball progression, and several attempts on goal. While he did not score or directly assist on any of the U.S. goals, Pulisic came close twice, hitting the post and narrowly missing with a long-range shot.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino emphasized the importance of Pulisic regaining his physical and mental sharpness after the injury, describing his return as a vital step toward match fitness. Pulisic himself expressed relief and optimism about feeling healthy and confident on the ball after a challenging period marked by a lengthy goal drought at his club, AC Milan, where he had struggled to find consistent form.

Pulisic’s impact on the pitch was evident immediately. Teammates noted that his presence lifted the level of the lineup, transforming what was initially a rotated squad into a more competitive unit. Defender Antonee Robinson highlighted the boost Pulisic provides when fit, while midfielder Sebastian Berhalter and defender Chris Richards praised his ability to create scoring opportunities and provide leadership.

The U.S. team has shown resilience throughout the tournament, securing key victories without Pulisic in the lineup. However, the forward remains viewed as the squad’s most dynamic and creative player, integral to their hopes of advancing further than in past tournaments. The team’s capacity to progress beyond the round of 16 has not been demonstrated since 2002, but the combination of Pulisic’s health and form, along with the depth shown during the group stage, has sparked renewed optimism.

Pulisic acknowledged the challenges ahead but maintained a confident outlook. “I don’t feel like we necessarily need some miracle to go far in the World Cup. I think we have a really good team,” he said. Coach Pochettino has fostered a “Why not us?” mentality, reflecting the belief that the U.S. can defy expectations and make a deep run on home soil.

Thursday’s match also allowed other players to gain valuable minutes and avoid suspensions, with 23 of the 26-man roster having participated so far—a tournament high. As the knockout stage approaches, the U.S. looks to capitalize on the return of its star player and the momentum built during the group phase.