Christian Pulisic is facing sharp criticism from U.S. soccer legend Landon Donovan after the United States Men's National Team was eliminated from the World Cup in the Round of 16 with a 4-1 loss to Belgium. Donovan, who experienced both highs and lows during his own World Cup career, did not hold back in his assessment of Pulisic, the team's most prominent player, saying the criticism he is receiving is deserved.
On his podcast «Unfiltered Soccer» alongside former teammate Tim Howard, Donovan acknowledged he wanted to be careful but ultimately delivered a blunt verdict. «In the end, he's your best player, he's your star player, and it just didn't happen for him,» Donovan said. «That's part and parcel with this role. It's just disappointing, I was waiting for a moment for him… and it just didn't happen.»
Donovan pointed to a pattern of underperformance in crucial matches, contrasting it with Pulisic's effectiveness in less demanding situations. «I'm starting to look back, Tim — it's more than just a trend now. It is,» Donovan continued. «Like, when the games are easy, and it's a home qualifier, and it's Jamaica, yes. But in the big moments and the big games, he just hasn't — I'm not criticizing, I'm just saying it factually. He is who he is at this point.»
Pulisic entered the tournament as the face of U.S. Soccer and one of the most anticipated players in the competition. However, his performance fell short of expectations. He suffered an injury in the team's opening match, causing him to miss the second group-stage game. He played limited minutes in the group-stage finale before starting in the knockout round against Belgium. In that match, he left the field in the second half due to an ankle injury, a decision that drew particular ire from Donovan.
«The reality is, he came out of a World Cup knockout game at home, with his leg still intact. Because you would have had to f---ing drag me off the field,» Donovan said. «And I would have punched the doctor in the face and said, 'You're not taking me off the field. Put whatever you need to put in me, and I'm staying on the field.'»
Howard, who served as the USMNT's starting goalkeeper during his career, was more restrained but still cryptic in his assessment. He described Pulisic as a «nice footballer» but added, «outside of that, you'd have to ask me very direct questions to which I could give you very direct answers.» The comments from both former players reflect growing frustration with Pulisic's inability to deliver on the biggest stage.
Pulisic has now scored just one goal in eight career World Cup appearances. In the loss to Belgium, he lost possession 11 times in the first half alone, highlighting his struggles to influence the game. The USMNT's early exit from a World Cup that was widely seen as a pivotal moment for soccer's growth in the United States has intensified scrutiny on the team's star players and coaching staff.
The tournament was considered the most important in the history of soccer in the United States, with expectations high for a deep run. Instead, the team managed only one win in four matches, a group-stage victory over Iran, before being eliminated by Belgium. The defeat was marked by defensive lapses and a lack of offensive creativity, with Pulisic unable to provide the spark that had made him a standout at club level with Chelsea and AC Milan.
Donovan's criticism is particularly notable given his own complicated history with the national team. He was famously left off the 2014 World Cup roster by then-coach Jurgen Klinsmann, a decision that sparked widespread debate. Despite that, Donovan remains one of the most decorated players in U.S. soccer history, with six World Cup goals and a reputation for performing in clutch moments. His comments carry weight within the soccer community.
The fallout from the World Cup exit is likely to have long-term implications for the USMNT. Questions about Pulisic's leadership and ability to carry the team in high-pressure situations will persist as the program looks ahead to the next World Cup cycle. For now, Donovan's harsh observation serves as a reminder that even the most talented players are judged by their performances when it matters most.
