Christian Pulisic Facing Possible USMNT Omission

Christian Pulisic may be on the outside looking in when Gregg Berhalter names his next United States men’s national team squad, and the debate over that prospect is intensifying on both sides of the Atlantic.

Christian Pulisic dilemma puts USMNT planning under microscope

The AC Milan forward has just completed the most productive club season of his career, reaching double figures for goals and assists in Serie A while operating primarily off the right flank. Yet his decision to skip this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup in order to rest and negotiate a new contract at San Siro left a void in the American attack. In his absence a youthful USMNT reached the final, only to fall 2-1 to rivals Mexico, prompting questions about squad harmony and leadership.

Alexi Lalas warns of potential tough love

Speaking on his popular State of the Union podcast, former national-team defender Alexi Lalas said Berhalter “could make an example” out of senior players who opted for time off—chief among them Christian Pulisic. Lalas argues that a statement omission would reinforce meritocracy ahead of the 2026 World Cup. “He can afford to do that,” the pundit insisted. “No one is undroppable, even a talisman.”

The coach’s balancing act

Berhalter must weigh two competing imperatives: maintaining discipline within a rapidly maturing locker room and ensuring his best talent gels together before the World Cup on home soil. Friendly windows against South Korea and Japan in September, followed by October and November dates still to be confirmed, represent precious rehearsal time. Leave Christian Pulisic out now, and the integration process is delayed yet again.

Fitness, form and fixture congestion

One reason Christian Pulisic requested the summer break, according to sources close to the player, was sheer workload. Since the start of 2020 he has battled recurring hamstring issues, logged Champions League miles with Chelsea, and jumped transatlantic for World Cup qualifying. Milan’s upcoming season will add Coppa Italia and Europa League commitments to an already crammed calendar. The winger has privately stated that arriving “100 percent fresh” for club and country in 2024-25 outweighs short-term tournament glory.

Precedents for star absences

U.S. fans have seen mixed results when marquee names skip competitions. Landon Donovan famously took a sabbatical from the national team in 2012 and returned rejuvenated; Clint Dempsey missed the 2015 Gold Cup through injury, and the side never found its attacking rhythm. Berhalter’s staff will study whether Christian Pulisic’s temporary absence hindered chemistry or allowed emerging talents such as Paxten Aaronson and Cade Cowell to blossom under pressure.

How Milan view the international tug-of-war

At club level, Stefano Pioli rates Christian Pulisic’s versatility and leadership. Milan directors are in advanced talks over a contract extension that would keep him at San Siro until 2028, a sign of faith after just one season. The Rossoneri expect their No. 11 to report fully rested for preseason tour matches against Arsenal, Real Madrid and Inter Miami in the United States. Any September call-up would require a long intercontinental flight three days before a key league fixture versus Lazio.

TV ratings and marketing considerations

U.S. Soccer’s commercial department is already plotting ticket sales for the September friendlies. Christian Pulisic remains the program’s most marketable player, selling shirts from New York to Naples. Omitting him could dent attendance and viewership, albeit marginally, but executives insist sporting priorities come first.

What happens if Berhalter pulls the trigger?

Should Christian Pulisic be left out, expect a front three of Ricardo Pepi, Tim Weah and Folarin Balogun to start, with Gio Reyna in a free role behind them. The move would hand the armband to Tyler Adams or Weston McKennie, reinforcing a leadership group that has grown in Pulisic’s absence. Conversely, reinstating the Milan star would likely see him reclaim the captaincy and slot in on either wing, forcing competition for minutes among in-form youngsters.

Long-term implications

Both player and federation recognize that any rift must be healed well before 2026. Christian Pulisic’s experience at two World Cups and success at club level make him invaluable. Lalas himself admitted that, were he coach, he would still pick the Pennsylvanian because “these are the players you’re going to have when it matters.” Berhalter’s decision, therefore, will signal whether he values short-term accountability over long-term cohesion.

Numbers tell part of the story

• 12 goals and 9 assists for Milan in 2023-24—career highs
• 1 trophy missed: the 2024 Gold Cup
• 66 national-team caps, 29 goals
• 3 hamstring injuries since 2021
• 2 months until the next FIFA window

Opinion: a delicate but necessary conversation

Berhalter must resist making an example simply for optics. Competitive integrity demands picking the best eleven, and Christian Pulisic remains the country’s premier attacker. An honest conversation behind closed doors—demanding commitment while acknowledging player welfare—strikes the right balance. Anything less risks turning a strategic rest into a needless fracture just when the U.S. project should be uniting behind 2026.

Short Take: Drop him now, and you win a headline; keep him engaged, and you might win a World Cup knockout match. The choice seems obvious.