Carli Lloyd Rips USA’s World Cup Exit, Slams Pulisic
Carli Lloyd let loose with a blistering critique after the United States suffered a 4‑1 drubbing by Belgium in Monday’s Round of 16 clash in Dallas, Texas. The USWNT legend said the squad “lost the game before they even stepped out onto the pitch,” describing the performance as tentative and lacking confidence.
Lloyd’s Criticism of the USA’s Exit
“It’s a bit of a downer for us being out here now after this loss, but I just felt like they lost the game before they even stepped out onto the pitch,” Lloyd stated. She went on to say, “I was a bit disappointed with Christian Pulisic. Whether he wants to be the star of this team or not, we didn’t see enough from him in this particular game, and really the whole World Cup.”
July 6, 2026; Seattle, Washington, U.S.; Chris Richards of the U.S. looks dejected as he is consoled by coach Mauricio Pochettino after the match following their elimination from the World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Pulisic’s Injury and Tournament Struggles
Christian Pulisic’s World Cup ended early when Youri Tielemans delivered a heavy challenge in the 54th minute. The AC Milan forward stayed down, attempted to play through an ankle knock, then limped off the field, visibly upset. “It’s just frustrating to end like that, of course,” Pulisic said post‑game. “Now I have time to rest, so it’ll be OK.”
Pulisic already missed parts of the tournament. He pulled a calf muscle against Paraguay, left at halftime, and did not reappear until the second half against Turkiye. Across four matches he recorded a single assist and now faces an uncertain recovery that could affect his club future.
Game Details and Aftermath
The blowout loss to Belgium marked the USA’s exit in Dallas, delivering a 4‑1 defeat that many analysts say was foreseeable given the squad’s early‑match anxiety. The game’s intro featured a Monday Night Football theme, adding a quirky backdrop to an otherwise disappointing knockout finish.
Overall, the USMNT’s 2026 World Cup run ends on a sour note, with fans and former stars alike pointing to the lack of composure and key injuries as the primary culprits. The team will regroup ahead of upcoming qualifiers, aiming to repair the confidence shattered in that Texas showdown.
sports.yahoo.com.
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