USMNT vs. Canada World Cup qualifier: Start time, live updates, expert analysis and highlights

Christian Pulisic is in the starting lineup for the USMNT, and that will hopefully spell a more threatening attacking line for the U.S. against Canada.

Pulisic did not travel to El Salvador as he regained his fitness after going through COVID protocol following a positive test on Aug. 18. The Chelsea winger used the extra days in Nashville to work on his fitness and was cleared to participate and start on Sunday against Canada.

While Pulisic is in against Canada, winger Gio Reyna is out for the qualifier. The 18-year-old is out for the next two games with a hamstring strain suffered in the 0-0 draw with El Salvador on Thursday, U.S. Soccer announced. In a bit of surprising news, midfielder Weston McKennie has not been included in the game day squad after a violation of team policy.

Jordan Pefok will get his first start of the qualifying campaign, stepping in to the lineup up top. Josh Sargent started in El Salvador. Pefok played 26 minutes as a substitute in the 0-0 draw on Thursday.

Other changes to the lineup from Thursday: Sergiño Dest will move from left back to right back to match up against Canada’s Alphonso Davies. Antonee Robinson will start at left back. Kellyn Acosta will start in central midfield tonight, while Brenden Aaronson will move from a central role to the right wing to replace Reyna. Sebastian Lletget enters the lineup to replace McKennie. Konrad de la Fuente goes to the bench with Pulisic back in the lineup. John Brooks is starting at center back after Tim Ream started the game in El Salvador.