Christian Pulisic Faces Fitness Race Following World Cup Injury
USMNT star Christian Pulisic endured a difficult 2026 World Cup campaign marked by injuries. A recent report indicates the forward will be sidelined for several weeks, leaving him in a race to regain fitness for the start of the 2026-27 season with AC Milan.
According to a report from The Athletic, Pulisic suffered a “bone bruise and microfracture of the tibia/fibula” during Monday’s match against Belgium. The USA lost 4-1 to crash out of the World Cup at the Round of 16 stage. The report notes that Pulisic was observed using crutches following the Belgium game.
A statement from the USMNT subsequently confirmed the injury.
The injury occurred in the second half while Pulisic attempted a shot on the edge of the box and kicked the back of Youri Tielemans’ leg. At the time, the USA was pushing to equalize at 2-2. Pulisic attempted to play through the pain, but he was seen hobbling as the USA fell behind 3-1 in the 57th minute and was substituted shortly thereafter.
Pulisic previously sustained a calf injury during the first half of the opening win against Paraguay. He missed the following match before appearing briefly against Turkiye in the final group stage game and playing 87 minutes against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.
He appeared sharp during the first 45 minutes against Paraguay, but his form suffered following his return from that initial calf injury.
Pulisic has faced criticism for his post-game comments after the defeat to Belgium.
“I just totally twisted my ankle and my knee in one play,” Pulisic told reporters, via ESPN. “I mean, whatever. I have time to rest. It’s just unfortunate way to finish.”
Pulisic reflected on his tournament performance, which included one goal and one assist, and expressed his disappointment.
“I felt really good this summer with the guys and I thought my level was high,” Pulisic said. “Yeah, it’s disappointing. I didn’t quite have the moments I was hoping to and to try to help us to really push and get over this next step of beating a really good team. I’m disappointed with myself, of course, but I’m going to try to stay positive. I did a lot of good things and the team did as well.”
Ultimately, injuries significantly hindered Pulisic’s impact during the tournament, depriving the USA of their primary attacking threat at a critical time.