Christian Pulisic Will Miss the 2025 Gold Cup—and That Might Be a Smart Move

For fans of the U.S. Men’s National Team, summer tournaments are usually a time to see the country’s biggest soccer stars shine. But this year, Christian Pulisic, the face of American soccer, won’t be there. No signature runs down the wing. No clutch goals. No captain’s armband. Just… rest.

According to sources close to U.S. Soccer, Pulisic will not be part of the Gold Cup squad. The reason? He needs time to recover after an exhausting season with AC Milan. If he suits up for Milan in their final game against Monza this weekend, it’ll be his 50th appearance for the club this season. That’s a full workload by any standard—and it’s caught up to him.

Tired Legs and Lingering Pain

It’s not just about being tired. There’s more going on under the surface. One source told ESPN that Pulisic has been dealing with a nagging hip flexor injury, dating back to at least March. That kind of injury doesn’t always make headlines, but it’s the kind that can quietly drain a player’s energy and limit their explosiveness. For a player who relies on sharp cuts, quick sprints, and creativity, that’s a big deal.

And while there hasn’t been an official injury report, it’s not hard to read between the lines. After such a long and physically demanding season in Europe, it makes sense that both Pulisic and U.S. Soccer are choosing to prioritize long-term health over a regional tournament.

Why the Gold Cup Isn’t the Priority

Let’s be real—the Gold Cup is important, but it’s not the World Cup. It doesn’t carry the same global prestige. With the U.S. set to co-host the 2026 World Cup next year, every decision from here on out is strategic. That includes resting your best player when he’s not 100%.

And Pulisic isn’t the only one sitting this one out. Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah of Juventus won’t be available, either. They’re committed to playing in the FIFA Club World Cup, as is Gio Reyna of Borussia Dortmund. Throw in the possible absence of Johnny Cardoso, who could be heading to Atlético Madrid soon, and it’s clear the U.S. squad for this summer’s tournament will look a little different.

Mauricio Pochettino’s First Big Test

This summer also marks the first real tournament for new USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The former PSG and Chelsea boss knows what it takes to manage elite players, and he’s not panicking about the absences. In fact, he’s using this as an opportunity.

Speaking to reporters recently, Pochettino said that the players participating in the two upcoming friendlies—against Turkey on June 7 and Switzerland on June 10—will likely form the core of the Gold Cup squad.

“I think it’s logical,” he said. “If you want to prepare for the Gold Cup, you need your players in rhythm and fit from the start.”

In other words, don’t expect any surprise call-ups last minute. Pochettino wants a team that’s ready to go—not just physically, but mentally and tactically.

Time to Shine for New Faces

With Pulisic and other stars sitting out, younger or less-established players now have a golden opportunity. Guys like Paxten Aaronson, Malik Tillman, and Cade Cowell could see their roles grow. It’s a chance to prove they can carry some of the load when the big names aren’t around.

And let’s be honest—depth has been a weakness for the U.S. for years. This tournament might help fix that. If some of these fringe players step up and perform well, the national team will be stronger for it when the stakes are higher next year.

That Nagging Hip Flexor

Back to Pulisic. The hip flexor issue might sound minor, but it’s not something you want to ignore. It impacts movement, balance, and even striking the ball. And while it hasn’t stopped him from playing altogether, it’s the kind of thing that builds up over time if you don’t let it heal properly.

Taking a few weeks off now could mean a fully fit Pulisic when World Cup qualifiers come around—or when the real buildup to 2026 begins. Pushing through for the Gold Cup might have only made things worse.

What This Means for the U.S.

So, what does Pulisic’s absence really mean for the U.S. this summer?

It means they’ll miss their most experienced attacker, yes. But it also means this Gold Cup will be less about star power and more about testing the team’s foundation. Can they press and possess without their captain? Can they find goals without relying on Pulisic to create something out of nothing?

They’ll find out starting June 15, when they open group play against Trinidad and Tobago. From there, it’s Saudi Arabia on June 19 and Haiti on June 22. It’s not an easy group, but it’s manageable—especially for a team looking to prove it has depth and grit.

Club Over Country—for Now

You might hear critics say that players like Pulisic should always show up for national team duty. That skipping the Gold Cup is selfish or unpatriotic. But in today’s soccer world, things are more complicated. Club careers can make or break players. One injury at the wrong time can derail years of work. That’s especially true for someone like Pulisic, who’s battled through injuries throughout his career.

AC Milan has leaned heavily on him this year. If he wants to stay a top option for the club—and remain in top shape for the 2026 World Cup—taking care of his body now is not just smart. It’s necessary.

Source: Sources: Christian Pulisic won’t play for USMNT at Gold Cup

Friendlies First, Then the Real Deal

Before the Gold Cup starts, the U.S. will get a good measuring stick in those two friendlies against top-tier European competition. Turkey and Switzerland are no pushovers, and those matches will reveal how well Pochettino’s new group is coming together.

Pochettino says the players who perform in those games will likely make up most of the Gold Cup squad. So if you’re looking to spot the next breakout star for the U.S., those June matches are where to watch.

The Bigger Picture

In the end, this is about something more than just one tournament. It’s about getting the U.S. team ready for the biggest moment in its history—the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

Letting Pulisic heal now helps ensure he’ll be at his best when it truly counts. It also forces the team to grow without him, which could end up being a blessing in disguise.

So while fans may be disappointed not to see No. 10 take the field this summer, they should take comfort in the bigger picture. Pulisic’s not bailing on his country—he’s betting on the future.

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