US Men’s National Team (USMNT) icon Landon Donovan has delivered a scathing review of star forward Christian Pulisic’s performances after the USA crashed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After the USMNT topped their group with two wins in three games, there was a buzz among American fans and pundits ahead of the knockout stage of the competition. A 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 set up a clash with Belgium in the Round of 16.
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Malik Tillman scored his second free-kick goal of the tournament (33′), but it was not nearly enough for the Stars and Stripes on the night. A brace from Charles De Ketelaere (9′, 33′) and goals from Hans Vanaken (57′) and Romelu Lukaku (90+3′) secured a 4-1 win for the Red Devils.
Pulisic failed to create a single attacking chance, completed just two of his six dribbles (33%) and won only two duels (2/8, 25%) (stats via FotMob). He twisted his ankle while taking a shot in the 52nd minute; despite trying to continue, he was substituted in the 59th minute of the game.
After the full-time whistle, Donovan laid into the 27-year-old attacker’s display. The 44-year-old, who is the USMNT‘s joint-top goalscorer of all time (57 goals, tied with Clint Dempsey), said (via NY Post):
“In the end, he’s your best player, and it just didn’t happen for him. I want to be careful because I’m sure people are piling on him, a lot of it he deserves, of course… It’s just disappointing. I was waiting for a moment for him and it just didn’t happen… In the big moments and the big games, he just hasn’t (performed) — I’m not criticizing, I’m just saying it factually. He is who he is at this point,” Donovan added.
After his side’s unceremonious exit from the FIFA World Cup, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino will have to go back to the drawing board ahead of the 2030 edition of the competition.
“A great deal of respect and gratitude” – US Soccer release statement revealing plans for Mauricio Pochettino’s future after FIFA World Cup exit
After the USMNT’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, US Soccer released a statement detailing its future course of action with respect to the head coaching role.
The USA hired ex-Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino in September 2024. Since then, he has been on the touchline in 31 USMNT fixtures with a record of 18 wins, one draw and 12 losses.
After the 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup, a statement from US Soccer about their future plans with Pochettino read (via GOAL):
“We had positive conversations with Mauricio before the World Cup about the future. We agreed we would continue those conversations following a chance to rest and reflect post-World Cup. We have a great deal of respect and gratitude for Mauricio, his staff and everyone part of the program. We have shared excitement about our potential and also shared clarity about the amount of work at all levels still required to achieve our ambition.”
After beating the USMNT, Belgium have set up a quarter-final date with Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup (Friday, July 10).
Edited by Aaryan Nagraj