The USMNT is currently competing in the 2025 Gold Cup without its star player and captain, Christian Pulisic. This absence has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike: Is it acceptable for Pulisic to sit out the tournament? And can the USMNT still succeed without him?
Pulisic's decision to prioritize rest and recovery after a demanding 2024-2025 season with AC Milan is the primary reason for his absence. The 26-year-old played in 50 matches for his club, accumulating over 3,500 minutes on the pitch. Both Pulisic and U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker have stated that this was a "collective decision" to ensure Pulisic is in peak condition for the upcoming season and, more importantly, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Pulisic himself addressed the situation, stating that his body and mind needed a break. He emphasized his commitment to the national team but felt that playing additional games this summer without rest would be detrimental in the long run. "Was that to play eight more games and then get no rest at all—go straight into preseason and then grind another year and go straight into the World Cup? That's not what I felt best for my body," Pulisic said.
However, the decision has not been without controversy. USMNT legends Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey publicly questioned Pulisic's commitment to the national team. This criticism prompted a response from Pulisic, who defended his decision and stated that questioning his commitment was "way out of line."
Adding to the complexity, Pulisic revealed that he had offered to play in the pre-Gold Cup friendlies but was turned down by coach Mauricio Pochettino, who preferred to work with a consistent roster throughout the summer. Pochettino has since responded to Pulisic's comments, asserting his authority as the head coach and emphasizing that players need to adhere to the team's plan. He stated that the decision to exclude Pulisic from the friendlies was made by the coaching staff and medical professionals, who assessed that Pulisic needed rest.
Beyond Pulisic, several other key players are missing from the USMNT Gold Cup roster. Yunus Musah, Folarin Balogun, Antonee Robinson, and Sergiño Dest are out due to injury or personal reasons, while Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna are representing their clubs in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Despite these absences, the USMNT has a blend of experienced players and promising youngsters in the Gold Cup squad. Veterans like Tyler Adams, Tim Ream, and Walker Zimmerman provide leadership, while players such as Brenden Aaronson, Malik Tillman, and Haji Wright will be looking to step up and make an impact in Pulisic's absence. The roster also includes several uncapped players, presenting an opportunity for new faces to emerge on the international stage.
The USMNT's recent 5-0 win against Trinidad and Tobago in their Gold Cup opener, shows they are capable of performing well even without Pulisic. The team is aiming to unseat defending champions Mexico, who won the 2023 Gold Cup. The USMNT lost to Panama in the semi-finals on penalties that year, so they will be hoping to go further this time around. Whether the USMNT can mount a successful Gold Cup campaign without Pulisic remains to be seen, but it presents an opportunity for other players to shine and for the team to build depth and resilience ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
