Landon Donovan Expresses Disappointment with Christian Pulisic’s World Cup Performance

The USMNT’s World Cup campaign concluded with a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16. Following the defeat, Landon Donovan voiced his disappointment in Christian Pulisic’s performance during an interview with Tim Howard on Fox Sports.

Donovan acknowledged Pulisic’s extensive criticism on social media while emphasizing that the AC Milan forward’s tournament fell short of expectations. “In the end, he’s your best player, he’s your star player, and it just didn’t happen for him,” Donovan stated. “I want to be careful because I’m sure people are piling on him, a lot of it he deserves, of course. That’s part and parcel with this role. It’s just disappointing. I was waiting for a moment for him… and it just didn’t happen.”

The former U.S. international highlighted a recurring issue: Pulisic’s inability to deliver in high-stakes matches against elite opponents.

Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States during the game vs Belgium. (Getty Images)

“I’m starting to look back, Tim — it’s more than just a trend now,” Donovan continued. “Like, when the games are easy, and it’s a home qualifier, and it’s Jamaica, yes. But in the big moments and the big games, he just hasn’t — I’m not criticizing, I’m just saying it factually. He is who he is at this point.”

Donovan also addressed rumors about Pulisic requesting substitution during the match. While he could not verify the claims, Donovan emphasized his own approach to playing through injury. “He came out of a World Cup knockout game at home with his leg still intact. Because you would have had to f— drag me off the field. And I would have punched the doctor in the face and said, ‘You’re not taking me off the field. Put whatever you need to pump into me, and I’m staying on the field,’” he asserted.

Pulisic exited the match in the 59th minute after sustaining an ankle injury during a challenge with Youri Tielemans while attempting a shot.

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