A painful exit
Christian Pulisic’s World Cup campaign ended in disappointment after a 4‑1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16, a match that also sealed a painful leg injury for the U.S. forward.
The injury, sustained in the 52nd minute when Pulisic collided with Youri Tielemans, was diagnosed as a bone bruise with micro‑fractures, prompting the team to withdraw him from the field just seven minutes later, replacing him with Sebastian Berhalter.
U.S. Soccer confirmed that the club will collaborate on a recovery plan, aiming to have Pulisic back in time for AC Milan’s Serie A opener on August 23, though the timeline remains subject to medical progress.
The setback has drawn sharp commentary from former U.S. internationals. Carli Lloyd, a World Cup‑winning player on the women’s side, voiced disappointment in Pulisic’s performance, while Landon Donovan criticized the handling of his public image and the influences surrounding the player.
Pulisic’s history of injuries adds context; he previously endured a pelvic issue during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after scoring against Iran, a pattern that has raised concerns about his durability.
Beyond the pitch, the episode has reignited discussions about the broader ecosystem that surrounds the player, with Donovan suggesting that the management and advisors play a role in shaping public perception.
As the U.S. team looks ahead, the focus will be on rehabilitating Pulisic’s leg while preserving his long‑term value for both the national side and his club, AC Milan, which will monitor his return closely.