After Christian Pulisic’s struggles in the USMNT’s 2026 FIFA World Cup run, which ended in the round of 16 in a 4-1 loss to Belgium, former USWNT Star Carli Lloyd was not shy in her assessment of the team, especially its star right winger.
“It’s a bit of a downer for us being out here now after this loss, but I felt like they lost the game before they even stepped out onto the pitch,” said Lloyd. “I’m not sure why, and I don’t know the reasons, but just from the beginning, just chasing, tentative, scared, just not confident on the ball. And I think big-time players— you wanted some of those big-time players to step up in big moments.”
Pulisic left the match in the 59th minute with a lower-body injury, but Lloyd did not hold back.
“I gotta be honest, I was a bit disappointed with Christian Pulisic,” she said. “I think whether he wants to be the star of this team or not, we didn’t see enough from him in this particular game and really the whole World Cup. Little glimpses here and there.”
On X, she took things a step further, posting: “You rest when your playing career is over. Period.”
On Thursday, it was reported how severe Pulisic’s injury was, as he suffered a bone bruise and microfracture of the tibia/fibula.
“That’s the facts.”
In light of the news, one fan on X called for Lloyd to apologize for her harsh assessment, but she did anything but walk her criticism back.
“I don’t owe anyone an apology. My comment wasn’t about his post game interview. He skipped Gold Cup last summer because he wanted to rest and be ready for WC. He ended up resting the whole year. That’s the facts. Nothing personal against him,” she responded.
I don’t owe anyone an apology. My comment wasn’t about his post game interview. He skipped Gold Cup last summer because he wanted to rest and be ready for WC. He ended up resting the whole year. That’s the facts. Nothing personal against him. https://t.co/iW3iiKPUIQ
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) July 9, 2026
Pulisic hasn’t lived up to his sky-high expectations on the international stage to this point. Still, Lloyd and others ought to realize that his story with the USMNT is far from finished.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.