Overview
- The U.S. men’s national team were eliminated in the World Cup Round of 16 after a 4-1 loss to Belgium in Seattle.
- Christian Pulisic left that match with a twisted, later‑diagnosed sprained ankle and said he plans to rest and recover.
- Pulisic finished the tournament with one assist and no goals, missed time with a calf issue, and posted poor match metrics in the Belgium game such as very low expected goals and multiple turnovers.
- Former stars Carli Lloyd and Landon Donovan publicly rebuked Pulisic’s impact, with Donovan questioning whether Pulisic shows up in the biggest matches.
- Unverified media reports that Pulisic asked to be substituted in the Belgium game remain unresolved, and the public criticism could affect his reputation and future role with the national team.