Star Absence: Pulisic Missing from USMNT's Gold Cup Campaign - Here's Why

The United States men's national soccer team will compete in the 2025 Gold Cup without their leader Christian Pulisic.

Pulisic has sparked debate with his decision to withdraw from the USMNT this summer, choosing instead to focus on recuperation following an exhausting 2024-25 season. The 26-year-old participated in 50 matches for AC Milan, accumulating more than 3,500 minutes of playing time.

According to Matt Crocker, U.S. Soccer sporting director, the organization jointly decided with Pulisic to allow the forward time away from competition to ensure he would be "fully prepared to perform at the highest level" for the upcoming season and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"I always want to be with the team," Pulisic explained during an interview with CBS Sports Golazo Network. "But truthfully, as the season progressed, my body and mind began signaling me—I had to consider what would be optimal for me heading into next year and approaching the World Cup.

"Would it benefit me to play eight additional matches with no rest period—then immediately enter preseason before grinding through another year and going straight to the World Cup? I didn't feel that was best for my physical condition."

As a result, Pulisic was excluded from Mauricio Pochettino's Gold Cup squad, along with several other American stars. Yunus Musah, Folarin Balogun, Antonee Robinson, and Sergiño Dest are all missing the tournament due to injuries or personal circumstances, while Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna are participating with their respective clubs in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

These significant absences prompted harsh criticism from former USMNT stars Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey. The two legends questioned the players' dedication and national pride, comments that Pulisic found particularly offensive.

"You can criticize my performances all you want, but questioning my commitment, especially to the national team, is completely inappropriate in my view. But that's how it goes. People have very short memories," Pulisic responded.

The USMNT, currently enduring a four-game losing streak, will attempt to return to winning form against Trinidad and Tobago in their opening match of the 2025 Gold Cup. However, mounting a serious championship challenge will prove difficult without Pulisic's presence.