Pulisic Exits With Foot Injury as U.S. Crashes Out of World Cup to Belgium

The U.S. men’s national team’s World Cup run ended in brutal fashion Monday night, and Christian Pulisic’s night ended even earlier.

Belgium hammered the Americans 4-1, knocking them out of the 2026 tournament and leaving a roster full of young talent shell-shocked. But the worst moment came in the 59th minute, when Pulisic limped off the pitch after taking a heavy challenge and barely able to put weight on his right foot.

He tried to shake it off. Jogged a few steps. Winced. Then waved to the sideline. Sebastian Berhalter replaced him minutes after Belgium scored their third goal and effectively sealed the game.

“Christian Pulisic has been subbed off! Pulisic has been walking with a noticeable limp the last several minutes since a heavy challenge. Tried to run it off. Couldn’t,” Tom Bogert of The Athletic posted on X.

Another frustrating night for the USMNT captain

Pulisic had one of his quietest games in a U.S. shirt before the injury. He barely touched the ball in dangerous areas and struggled to connect with teammates against a disciplined Belgian backline. The Americans as a whole looked disjointed from the opening whistle, with defensive breakdowns and sloppy passing giving Belgium too many easy chances.

The team has not released an official update on Pulisic’s foot. But anyone watching could see it wasn’t a minor knock. He needed help getting down the tunnel after being subbed off.

For a player who carried the U.S. through qualifying and into this World Cup, it was a grim way to end what was supposed to be a breakthrough tournament. Pulisic turned 27 last month and this was supposed to be his prime-stage moment on the world’s biggest stage.

Instead, the U.S. leaves with one win, a minus-three goal differential, and big questions about what comes next. Gregg Berhalter’s job will be a topic of conversation in the coming days. The federation backed him after the 2022 cycle, but another group-stage exit with a squad this talented will test that patience.

Belgium, meanwhile, moves on to the quarterfinals looking like one of the tournament’s most complete teams. Their midfield dominated possession and their forwards finished clinically. If they keep playing like this, they’ll be a nightmare for anyone left in the bracket.

The World Cup continues. But for the U.S. and their captain, it’s over earlier than anyone wanted.