Angel City FC forward Sydney Leroux has publicly voiced her disappointment with U.S. Men's National Team star Christian Pulisic's comments following the team's 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
Following the match on Monday, July 6, 2026, Pulisic, who sustained an ankle injury during the game, told Fox Sports, "It's just frustrating to end like that, of course. But now I have time to rest. I feel it'll be OK."
Pulisic's remarks drew a sharp response from Leroux, a former U.S. Women's National Team player. She reposted a clip of Pulisic's interview on social media platform X, stating, "He rested the entire World Cup."
Leroux also appeared to agree with a social media user who praised Sebastian Berhalter, the player who replaced Pulisic, for showing "fire and passion." Leroux is signed with Angel City FC through 2027 and was part of the USWNT's 2015 World Cup-winning squad.
Pulisic, 27, finished the tournament without scoring any goals, managing only one assist. He had previously dealt with a calf injury that caused him to miss parts of three World Cup games. He explained his intention to take time off to rest and spend time with family before rejoining his club, AC Milan, for preseason and the national team.
"No doubt" will be back with the national team, Pulisic stated, adding, "There's still a lot more that we want to accomplish."