The United States' elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 was followed by more bad news for the USMNT. U.S. Soccer has confirmed that captain Christian Pulisic suffered an injury during the match against Belgium and released the official diagnosis.

The AC Milan star was forced to leave the match and will now begin his recovery under the supervision of both U.S. Soccer and his club.

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What Injury Did Christian Pulisic Suffer?

In an official statement, U.S. Soccer confirmed that Pulisic sustained an injury to his right leg.

"Christian Pulisic has been diagnosed with a microfracture and a bone bruise to the tibia and fibula of his right leg, sustained during the match against Belgium. U.S. Soccer and AC Milan will work together on his recovery plan."

The federation did not provide a timetable for his return but confirmed it will coordinate with AC Milan throughout his rehabilitation.

Will He Miss the Start of the Serie A Season?

The official statement did not specify how long Pulisic is expected to be sidelined.

However, several U.S. media outlets report that he is likely to miss several weeks, although there is optimism that he could recover in time for the start of the 2026-27 Serie A season.

AC Milan is scheduled to open its league campaign against Torino on August 23.

Landon Donovan Criticized Pulisic

Before the injury was confirmed, U.S. soccer legend Landon Donovan delivered strong criticism of the national team captain during an appearance on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast.

"I talk to people at U.S. Soccer, his sponsors, and his teammates. I talk to the coaching staff and the trainers."

Donovan added that there is growing frustration over how situations surrounding Pulisic are handled.

"People are tired of the way things are managed around him. It just feels like nobody can get through to him."

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