Christian Pulisic was visibly emotional after being withdrawn with a new injury as the USA crashed out of the World Cup at the hands of Belgium.
Pulisic’s tournament has been plagued by fitness problems after sustaining a calf problem the USA’s opener against Paraguay, which forced him to come off at half-time in Los Angeles.
The American talisman was able to make a return to the starting XI against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 after being limited for the rest of the group stage, and was hopeful to remain at the forefront of the USA’s efforts in the knockouts.
But with the co-hosts trailing to Belgium in their must-win last-16 tie, injury reared its ugly head once again for Pulisic after he kicked Youri Tielemans’ boot while trying to shoot.
After spending a few moments lying on the pitch, Pulisic was visibly in pain as he returned to his feet and was subsequently replaced by Sebastian Berhalter in the 59th minute.
His exit came two minutes after the USA fell 3-1 behind courtesy of a calamitous error from goalkeeper Matt Freese, who was dispossessed outside his own area before Hans Vanaken fired into an empty net from range.
The USA’s World Cup hopes greatly diminished, Pulisic was consoled by his team-mates as he knew he could do no more to help his team overcome the deficit they faced.
Mauricio Pochettino later said that he think Pulisic twisted his ankle and hopes it’s not serious ahead of Pulisic’s reintegration with AC Milan for the 2026/27 season.
The USA went on to lose 4-1 in Seattle despite fielding Folarin Balogun, whose red card ban was controversially suspended by Fifa after US president Donald Trump called Gianni Infantino asking for it to be reviewed.
Belgium had an appeal claiming Balogun was ineligible denied before the match but the Monaco striker’s inclusion proved fruitless, with the USA’s only goal coming from a deflected Malik Tillman free-kick.
Belgium face Spain in the next round but will also be fearing the worst about one of their own injury concerns, with Amadou Onana appearing to suffer a serious knee injury against the US. He was replaced early on and later seen on crutches wearing a knee brace.
