Story perspectives

Pulisic Fractures Leg, Misses World Cup After Belgium Loss

7/10/2026

Summary

Pulisic Fractures Leg

Christian Pulisic fractured his leg in the U.S. 4-1 loss to Belgium in Seattle on July 6, 2026.
He was subbed off in the 59th minute after colliding with Belgium captain Youri Tielemans.
Doctors diagnosed a bone bruise and microfracture, prompting AC Milan to plan recovery before its Serie A opener on August 23, 2026.
Pulisic missed the tournament, left two games early and finished with one assist but no goals, being the U.S. goal leader.

Summary

Pulisic Endures Backlash

Christian Pulisic said he was frustrated and now had time to rest, prompting criticism from pundits and fans.
Former USMNT captain Landon Donovan said on Unfiltered Soccer with Tim Howard podcast he would have punched doctor to stay on field.
AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim defended Pulisic, saying the club believes in him and will support his recovery despite backlash.

Summary

Pulisic Left Wing

Coach Ruben Amorim will deploy Christian Pulisic as a left winger for AC Milan.
Paramount+ released a nine-part docuseries “Pulisic” about his rise from Hershey, Pennsylvania.
After the Belgium loss, Christian Pulisic said he felt good this summer but was disappointed.
Retired star Landon Donovan said Pulisic’s Gold Cup skip shows a generational clash.
Tournament data record zero shots, assists or chances and only 20 touches in 69 minutes versus Canada.

History

Historical Context

In 1998, coach Steve Sampson dropped captain John Harkes from the World Cup roster—a move later linked to an affair with teammate Eric Wynalda’s wife—and the United States lost all three group matches, finishing last; Harkes finished with 90 caps. Decades later, forward Christian Pulisic anchors the 2026 squad, showing how player controversies continue to influence U.S. selections.

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Pulisic Fractures Leg

Christian Pulisic fractured his leg in the U.S. 4-1 loss to Belgium in Seattle on July 6, 2026.
He was subbed off in the 59th minute after colliding with Belgium captain Youri Tielemans.
Doctors diagnosed a bone bruise and microfracture, prompting AC Milan to plan recovery before its Serie A opener on August 23, 2026.
Pulisic missed the tournament, left two games early and finished with one assist but no goals, being the U.S. goal leader.

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