Christian Pulisic, face of American football, is reportedly from 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup– And the reason, now revealed, highlights a larger image that extends far beyond the summer tournament. When the fans grow up for a crowded international calendar, the absence of the American men’s leading man comes as a shock, especially with several other important players who are also not available.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettinowho prepares to lead the United States to his first major tournament since taking the fabric, will be without his marquee name. Pulisic, which has been central to USMNT’s ambitions for almost a decade, will not appear on 26-man guard list for the Gold CupAccording to reports from Fox Sports.
“It is a situation that forces a team like the United States to manage without players who would normally be with us,” Pochettino admitted for reporters before the guard list.
The stars and stripes open 2025 Gold Cup on June 15 against Trinidad and Tobagofollowed by matches against Haiti and the Guest Nation Saudi Arabia. But they will do it with a significant depleted squad.
The reason behind Pulisic’s likely absence
While several USMNT stars –Weston McKennieThe Tim Weahand Gio Reyna– will miss the tournament because of their clubs’ commitment to FIFA Club World CupThe Pulisics exclusion is for another reason.
“Pulisic is physically struck after two back-to-back marathon European seasons and international games,” Fox sports’ Doug McIntyre reports. “The decision was also made with his health at the most important 2026 FIFA World Cup in mind.”
The numbers tell the story. In the last two seasons with MilanThe The 26-year-old wing has logged 4,995 minutes in Serie A aloneLong exceeded the 1,738 minutes he succeeded during his most active Premier League season at Chelsea. Add it his performances in Coppa Italia, Champions LeagueAnd international matches, and the workload becomes clearer.
On the verge of setting a Career High for a few minutes playedThe Americans’ tar can top the 5,000-minute brand if he has in Rossoneri’s last Serie A match this weekend against Monza. With his body worn, the decision was made that rest him during the summer.
