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US star Christian Pulisic fractured his leg in World Cup loss to Belgium

Published July 9, 2026 at 10:35 PM UTC

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In a devastating turn of events during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium, U.S. soccer star Christian Pulisic sustained a significant injury that has sidelined him for several weeks. The incident occurred in the 52nd minute when Pulisic collided with Belgium's captain, Youri Tielemans, while attempting a shot on goal. The impact resulted in a bone bruise and microfractures in both his tibia and fibula. Despite the injury, Pulisic continued to play briefly but was eventually substituted in the 59th minute due to increasing discomfort. This injury marks a challenging period for Pulisic, who had already been managing a calf issue earlier in the tournament. Prior to this match, he had missed one game and left two others early due to the calf problem. Throughout the World Cup, Pulisic struggled to find the back of the net, failing to score in any of the matches. The U.S. team faced a 4-1 defeat against Belgium, ending their World Cup journey. Looking ahead, Pulisic is expected to return to training before AC Milan's Serie A season opener against Torino on August 23. As he approaches his 28th birthday in September, Pulisic enters his fourth season with AC Milan, having scored 30 goals in 90 appearances for the U.S. national team. The injury has sparked discussions about the team's performance and Pulisic's role in the squad. Critics have pointed out that Pulisic's performance during the tournament did not meet expectations, with some questioning his commitment and readiness. Former U.S. women's national team star Carli Lloyd commented that "you rest when your playing career is over," highlighting the importance of player dedication during crucial matches. Additionally, Landon Donovan expressed concerns about Pulisic's attitude, suggesting that his approach did not reflect the necessary determination in a decisive game. These critiques underscore the high expectations placed on Pulisic as a leading figure in U.S. soccer. The team's early exit from the World Cup has prompted a broader evaluation of their performance and future prospects. Fans and analysts alike are reflecting on the lessons learned from this tournament and the steps needed to enhance the team's competitiveness on the international stage. As Pulisic focuses on his recovery, the soccer community remains hopeful for his swift return to form and continued contributions to both AC Milan and the U.S. national team.