The performance of U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) star Christian Pulisic during the recent World Cup has become a focal point of criticism following the team's Round of 16 elimination by Belgium. Analysts and former players have weighed in, with some expressing a lack of surprise at Pulisic's struggles.
Taylor Twellman, a former USMNT player and current analyst, joined a chorus of ex-players including Landon Donovan and Carli Lloyd in discussing the team's tournament exit. Twellman noted that while Pulisic remains a top American talent, his recent form leading up to the World Cup was a predictor of his performance.
"From January 1 to the World Cup, he had zero goal contributions for [AC] Milan," Twellman said on the "Dan Patrick Show." "Before that, I just want everyone that’s listening to know: July 27, 2025 to January 1, 2026, he was second in goal contributions in Serie A and then literally saw a ghost."
Pulisic did not record any goals for the U.S. during the tournament, which was affected by injuries. Twellman suggested that for a player of Pulisic's caliber, who can also contribute assists and playmaking, a lack of attacking output was anticipated by those who followed his club form.
"If anyone’s a little surprised that he struggled this World Cup, well, you didn’t read the tea leaves…," Twellman added. He also emphasized that the entire team's performance against Belgium was insufficient, not solely attributable to Pulisic's lack of attacking contributions.
It was later revealed that Pulisic sustained a bone bruise and microfracture of the tibia/fibula in his right leg during the World Cup. He acknowledged the team's shortcomings in a social media post, thanking supporters and expressing a desire to deliver more. "It simply wasn’t good enough from us in the end and I wanted to deliver so much more," Pulisic wrote. "It’s just the start for us and for this sport in America."
The USMNT's next World Cup appearance will be in 2030, following this early exit.