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Entering the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the favorite for the United States Men’s National Team, the public has done a 180 for Christian Pulisic.
The 27-year-old AC Milan star has been the face of USA soccer since at least the beginning of the decade, but the truth is that he has been a huge disappointment throughout the tournament.
Of course, it didn’t help that he injured his calf again in the first game, which led to him missing almost two full games, but even when he was on the field, he didn’t make a big difference. Pulisic then rolled his ankle in the Round of 16 and was eliminated in the second round.
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Christian Pulisic of the United States reacts after Belgium’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between the USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026, in Seattle, Washington. (Carl Recine/Getty Images)
After the match, Pulisic said he could now “relax,” which didn’t go down well with the Americans. That prompted USMNT legend Tim Howard to offer him candid advice.
“I hope for his sake that he’s not on social media for the foreseeable future,” he said on his “Unfiltered Soccer” podcast with Landon Donovan, followed by a cryptic comment.
“You deserve to rest. Go on vacation…. What I can say about him is if someone shows you who he is, you believe him. I think he is a good football player. I still think he is the best player in the team. Besides, you have to ask me specific questions that I can give you answers to,” he said.
Carli Lloyd, a former star on the US Women’s National Team, was also critical of Pulisic.
Christian Pulisic of the United States is comforted by Mauricio Pochettino, Head Coach of the United States, after being sent off during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between the USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026, in Seattle, Washington. (John Dorton/USSF/Getty Images)
BELGIUM DISAPPOINTS TEAM USA BEFORE RELAXING TRUMP’S SIGNATURE COVER AFTER FOURTH GOAL.
“You rest when your playing career is over. It’s time.”
Ahead of the World Cup, Pulisic said the event was “just another big tournament,” which also caused backlash.
After the loss, Pulisic said he was “disappointed” in himself but thought he and his team did “good things.”
“I felt good this summer with the boys and I thought my level was high,” said Pulisic. “Yeah, it’s disappointing. I didn’t really have the moments I was expecting and trying to help us really push and go through this next step to beat a really good team.”
Christian Pulisic of the United States looks upset after Belgium’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between the USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026, in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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Pulisic has just one goal in nine World Cup games. He will be 31 years old when the next World Cup starts in 2030 in Morocco, Spain and Portugal.
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