Pulisic says questions about his commitment to national team 'way out of line'

Christian Pulisic has come forward to defend his decision to miss the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup, calling out those who questioned his dedication to the national team. The U.S. winger, who completed a demanding 50-game season with AC Milan, said resting now was necessary to stay healthy and perform better in the long run especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to take place in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

In a CBS Sports podcast interview, the 26-year-old addressed recent backlash, notably from former U.S. internationals Landon Donovan and Alexi Lalas. Both criticized players like Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and Antonee Robinson, who chose to skip the Gold Cup without any reported injuries. For Pulisic, the criticism struck a nerve particularly since Donovan and Lalas had previously expressed private support.

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Pulisic said he looked up to those veterans during his early years and found it disappointing that their public comments contradicted their private conversations. “It’s tough when some of these guys were my idols growing up,” he admitted. “You can talk about my performances, but to question my commitment to the national team is way out of line.”

He emphasized that the break is not about a lack of patriotism or care, but about making the best decision for his body and career longevity. Rest, he believes, is critical preparation for bigger challenges ahead.