The United States Soccer Federation has confirmed that star forward Christian Pulisic suffered a fracture in his right leg during the team's crushing 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 16.
Injury Details and How It Happened
Pulisic was substituted in the 59th minute, shortly after Belgium's third goal, raising immediate questions about his early exit. The injury occurred early in the second half when he attempted a shot but instead struck the back of Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans' leg. US Soccer later confirmed in a statement: "Christian Pulisic has been diagnosed with a microfracture and bone bruise of the tibia/fibula in his right leg suffered during the match against Belgium."
The statement added that US Soccer and Pulisic's club, AC Milan, "will collaborate on his recovery plan." While no official timeline was given, The Athletic reported that Pulisic "will be sidelined for several weeks but not months," citing sources briefed on the diagnosis. He would have been unavailable had the US progressed to the quarter-finals.
Criticism Before the Injury Revelation
Before the extent of Pulisic's injury was known, the US squad faced heavy criticism for their heaviest World Cup defeat in 36 years, with much of the scrutiny falling on the captain. US women's legend Carli Lloyd, the all-time leading goal scorer, expressed disappointment.
"I was a bit disappointed in Christian Pulisic. 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,"
Lloyd also referenced Pulisic's decision to skip the 2025 Gold Cup to rest, posting on social media: "You rest when your playing career is over. Period." Similarly, Landon Donovan, the all-time US men's top scorer at World Cups, said: "I would have punched the doctor in the face and said, 'You're not taking me off the field'."
These comments came before the injury was confirmed, highlighting the intense pressure on Pulisic to perform despite physical setbacks.
Impact on AC Milan and Recovery Outlook
AC Milan will be closely monitoring Pulisic's recovery, with the new Serie A season starting on 23 August against Torino. The club's medical staff will work with US Soccer to determine when he can return to action. Given the reported timeline of several weeks, Pulisic could miss the opening fixtures, but a definitive absence remains unconfirmed.
Key Takeaways
- Christian Pulisic played through a leg fracture in the US loss to Belgium before being subbed off.
- US Soccer confirmed a microfracture and bone bruise, with a recovery timeline of several weeks.
- Pulisic faced harsh criticism from Carli Lloyd and Landon Donovan before the injury was revealed.
- AC Milan will collaborate on his rehabilitation, potentially affecting his start to the Serie A season.
Quick Facts
Player: Christian Pulisic
Injury: Microfracture and bone bruise of right tibia/fibula
Match: USA 1-4 Belgium, World Cup last 16
Club: AC Milan
Expected Absence: Several weeks