When the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) took to the field without Christian Pulisic during the 2025 Gold Cup campaign, many fans raised eyebrows. While the AC Milan winger had not been named to the squad weeks before the tournament, the absence of America’s most recognizable footballer was nevertheless stark. The omission sparked intense debate: was this simply a matter of rest for a player overloaded with club commitments, or was it the first sign of a new direction for Gregg Berhalter’s team?
Fueling this discussion further was the candid assessment by former USMNT captain and Fox Sports analyst Alexi Lalas. In a statement that rippled across social media and sports talk shows, Lalas said it was “no surprise” to see Pulisic left out—and more importantly, he suggested the national team may be preparing for life beyond their longtime talisman.
As the dust settles on the Gold Cup and attention shifts toward World Cup 2026 preparations, it’s time to take a closer look at what Pulisic’s absence truly means. Are the USMNT evolving tactically without him? Has his status as an automatic starter begun to erode? Or is this all part of a larger plan to preserve the country’s best-known export?
The Gold Cup Snub Rest or Reassessment
Christian Pulisic’s omission from the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup squad came with a vague explanation from head coach Gregg Berhalter. “We’ve had conversations with Christian and believe it’s in his best interest to rest and recover after a long season in Europe,” Berhalter told reporters. “We remain in constant communication and consider him a vital part of our team.”
On the surface, this seemed reasonable. Pulisic had enjoyed a resurgent season at AC Milan, playing over 40 matches across all competitions and helping the Rossoneri finish second in Serie A. He was a key creative force under Stefano Pioli and often shouldered the brunt of attacking responsibilities.
But insiders close to the USMNT camp tell a different story. According to several reports, Berhalter and his staff are quietly evaluating how the team performs without depending on Pulisic. The objective? To develop a more fluid and adaptable system that doesn’t revolve around a single player — even if that player is arguably the most talented American footballer of his generation.
Alexi Lalas “No Surprise”
Alexi Lalas has never shied away from provocative opinions, but his remarks following the Gold Cup roster announcement struck a chord. Speaking on Fox Soccer’s post-squad selection broadcast, the former defender was clear:
“If you’ve been watching Berhalter over the last year, this is no surprise. He’s been slowly shifting this team’s identity. Christian Pulisic isn’t being punished, but he’s also not untouchable. That’s a message.”
Lalas went further, hinting that the coaching staff’s long-term vision may no longer include Pulisic as the centerpiece. “Look,” he said, “Christian’s a brilliant player, but you’ve got a new generation coming up—Musah, Reyna, Tillman, Aaronson—they play with pace, fluidity, and they’re less predictable.”
Those comments quickly sparked debate. Some fans accused Lalas of overhyping young players. Others agreed, saying Pulisic had often slowed the tempo and forced attacks through himself at the expense of team coherence.
USMNT Without Pulisic A Tactical Evolution
At the Gold Cup, Berhalter’s side reached the semifinals before being knocked out by Mexico. Despite the disappointment, there were positives. The front three of Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi, and Tim Weah showed flashes of synergy. In midfield, Yunus Musah and Gio Reyna rotated roles, allowing the team to adapt its shape dynamically during games.
Without Pulisic on the left wing, the U.S. looked more balanced. Attacks weren’t funneled to one side. Instead, fullbacks like Sergiño Dest and Joe Scally overlapped more frequently, offering width and creating overloads. In a system that emphasized quick transitions and pressing high, the U.S. seemed to embrace a collective identity.
Berhalter’s experiment may not have ended in silverware, but it posed an important question: does the USMNT operate more effectively without a fixed focal point?
Club Form and Injury History Pulisic’s Mixed Bag
Christian Pulisic’s club form has always been a rollercoaster. His move from Chelsea to AC Milan was widely seen as a career reset — and for the most part, it succeeded. In Italy, he found more freedom, enjoyed consistent minutes, and reminded the world why he was once dubbed “Captain America.”
But his long history of injuries is never far behind. Since 2019, Pulisic has missed over 50 games due to various muscle and ligament issues. While AC Milan managed his minutes well, there is concern within the USMNT about his durability for a World Cup cycle.
Some analysts believe that the USMNT’s rotation-heavy approach — seen in tournaments like the Gold Cup — is a precautionary strategy to avoid over-reliance on injury-prone players. Pulisic, at 26, is no longer the new kid on the block. He’s now a veteran, and veterans often get managed more carefully in international windows.
The Rise of the New Core
If there’s one thing the Gold Cup proved, it’s that the future of American soccer is bright. Several young players used the tournament to make compelling cases for more prominent roles:
- Gio Reyna: Despite ongoing friction between his family and Berhalter in the past, Reyna was a standout in multiple games, showing maturity and vision in the No. 10 role.
- Malik Tillman: The Bayern Munich loanee (now at PSV) added a directness and vertical threat the USMNT has often lacked.
- Tim Weah: His adaptability, now playing right wing-back at Juventus, has turned him into a unique asset in a 3-4-3 system.
- Ricardo Pepi: After bouncing back from a difficult period in Germany, Pepi seems poised to lead the line heading into 2026.
These players, along with regulars like Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, form a new nucleus. Pulisic’s role, once unquestioned, is now under scrutiny in this emerging ecosystem.
Media Reaction and Fan Divide
The media reaction to Lalas’ remarks and Pulisic’s absence has been mixed. ESPN pundits questioned whether omitting such a talented player could damage team chemistry. Others, including former USMNT star Clint Dempsey, argued that the national team should be about form, not reputation.
Social media lit up with divided opinion. On Reddit, threads debated Pulisic’s body language, his tendency to take on defenders one-on-one, and whether his style suits the current generation of U.S. talent. Twitter/X saw #PulisicOut trend briefly, though mostly among fans exaggerating for effect.
The fan divide reflects a deeper question: should the USMNT build around its most famous player, or evolve past him to embrace a new style?
Pulisic’s Response Silent but Watching
Interestingly, Pulisic has remained silent on his Gold Cup omission. No public statements, no social media posts, and no cryptic tweets. Sources close to the player suggest he’s focused on preseason preparations with AC Milan, determined to build on last year’s form.
But behind the scenes, his camp is aware of the shifting narrative. According to one source:
“Christian is proud to wear the U.S. shirt. If he’s not part of future squads, it won’t be because he isn’t willing. But he understands the team is evolving.”
That level-headed approach will be critical. If Pulisic is to remain part of the national setup, he may have to accept a reduced role — perhaps as an impact substitute or a situational starter against high lines.
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