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Christian Pulisic racked up more injuries than goal contributions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a grim statistic for an equally grim tournament run from one of the U.S. men's national team's brightest talents. Yet not everyone has abandoned their belief in the American icon.
The forward, nicknamed "Captain America," was expected to be the driving force behind the Stars and Stripes this summer during a landmark World Cup on home soil, rewriting the narrative that cast the U.S. as a side destined never to progress beyond the round of 16.
There was also a personal dimension for Pulisic, who needed to shake off the memory of a career-low 19-game scoring drought at club level for Italian heavyweights AC Milan this spring, along with an international goal drought stretching back to 2024.
Instead, Pulisic underwhelmed, leaving USMNT supporters — the overwhelming majority of whom wore his name on their backs — deflated. He had shown early promise, however, displaying his brilliance against Paraguay in the World Cup opener. His ingenuity directly led to the South Americans' own goal in the seventh minute, as well as the finish that striker Folarin Balogun converted roughly 20 minutes later. Despite the USMNT claiming a 4–1 victory, Pulisic's impact lasted just 45 minutes before he was forced off at halftime with a troublesome calf injury.
The 27-year-old made his return in the Group D finale against already-eliminated Türkiye. He came on just before the hour mark but contributed very little, failing to provide the leadership a lineup heavily reliant on substitutes desperately required. The Americans suffered a 3–2 defeat.
Pulisic was similarly invisible in the round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, functioning more as a decoy than a genuine threat while midfielders Malik Tillman and Weston McKennie drove the creative play. He struggled to get past defenders in wide areas — typically his strongest suit. And, of course, the entire team crumbled in the round of 16 hammering at the hands of Belgium.
Pulisic's individual failings against the Belgians were perhaps the most painful, highlighted by a completely avoidable injury before the hour mark. While attempting to strike the ball, he appeared to make contact with his opponent's leg instead, resulting in a bone bruise and microfracture in his lower leg. All the forward could do was sit on the bench with his head buried in his hands for the rest of the match, left to wonder how such a clumsy moment had unfolded.
Fortunately, emerging American talents stepped up to cover the void Pulisic left this summer, including 25-year-old Balogun and 21-year-old defender Alex Freeman, hinting at the dawn of a new era for the squad. Even so, it wasn't enough to carry the team past the round of 16, leaving fans with frustrations that extended well beyond Pulisic alone.
Nevertheless, as the wider football world debates whether the star's best days are behind him, one prominent figure in the sport — arguably the most significant one in Pulisic's life right now — continues to back him without reservation.
Ruben Amorim Gives Pulisic His Unwavering Support
Pulisic has yet to return from the injury he picked up in the round of 16. Despite incoming AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim not having seen him play yet, he has expressed full confidence in his winger.
"Pulisic is a really talented player," Amorim said recently. "Of course, he had an injury again in the World Cup that we need to assess ... I know the strengths of Pulisic. I believe in him; he will be supported in our club."
"I know he had some criticism after the World Cup elimination, but I am here to say we believe a lot in him, have a clear plan to use all the qualities that he has, so I can say to you that Pulisic is really important for us," the former Manchester United boss added.
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Pulisic is anticipated to return to action sometime this month as the new Serie A campaign kicks off. His main priority will likely be staying fit, having featured in just 34 matches last season and completing the full 90 minutes on only three occasions.
Amorim will need him available and healthy, as the Portuguese manager already has a firm vision of how he fits into his system: "I have a clear idea of where I want him [Pulisic] to play. Especially with the right foot on the left side, it is the perfect position for him. He can play the other side also, inside too and not on the line."
While much of the world has written him off, the question remains: is Amorim's faith in Pulisic well-founded? The answer won't be long in coming.