El Paso native Ricardo Pepi starting for the United States against Australia

SEATTLE (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso native Ricardo Pepi will start for the United States against Australia in their second match of the 2026 World Cup.

Pepi replaces Christian Pulisic, who misses out due to a calf injury.

Pepi came off the bench in the 72nd minute in the US opener against Paraguay.

Pepi has appeared 38 times for the USMNT and has scored 13 goals.

Full US starting XI: 24. Freese (GK), 16. Freeman, 3. Richards, 13. Ream, 5. A. Robinson , 4. Adams, 17. Tillman , 2. Dest, 8. McKennie, 9. Pepi , 20. Balogun

The US and Australia kick things off at 1 p.m. in Seattle, and you can catch the game on KFOX14!

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