World Cup
Pulisic’s tears mark USA’s World Cup end after fresh injury
The Rose Bowl in Los Angeles fell silent as Christian Pulisic limped off, his face streaked with emotion. The USA’s World Cup campaign ended in tears after Belgium eliminated the co-hosts in Seattle.
Christian Pulisic was withdrawn with a fresh injury in the 59th minute, his tournament already scarred by recurring fitness issues. His calf problem from the opener against Paraguay had sidelined him for most of the group stage, yet he returned for the round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, hoping to lead the USA deeper into the tournament.
The knockout stage brought no reprieve. Pulisic aggravated his ankle after clashing with Youri Tielemans while attempting a shot, leaving him in visible pain on the pitch. His replacement by Sebastian Berhalter came as the USA trailed 3-1, a deficit compounded by Matt Freese’s calamitous error that gifted Belgium an early lead.
Belgium crush USA 4-1: Red Devils march on to quarter-final clash with Spain
Teammates gathered around Pulisic as he was consoled on the sidelines, his World Cup ending not with a bang but with another setback. Mauricio Pochettino later assessed the injury as a possible ankle twist, expressing hope it would not derail Pulisic’s return to AC Milan for the 2026/27 season. The USA’s defeat in Seattle was sealed at 4-1, despite Folarin Balogun’s inclusion after Donald Trump’s intervention led to FIFA reviewing his suspension. Belgium advanced to face Spain, though their own squad faced uncertainty with Amadou Onana’s knee injury, seen on crutches in a brace after an early exit.