The United States’ 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 was the result of a total breakdown, rather than one or two mistakes, but no player has received more criticism since the defeat than Christian Pulisic.
Anointed by some as USMNT’s “Captain America,” Pulisic had a disappointing World Cup without a goal and only played one nearly full game due to injuries.
After the loss, few were more critical of Pulisic than former USA women’s star Carli Lloyd, who won two Women’s World Cups during her career.
Here’s a closer look at the beef between Lloyd and Pulisic.
BONN: It’s clear Christian Pulisic is not USMNT’s prince that was promised
Christian Pulisic-Carli Lloyd beef
Pulisic has been a target of Lloyd’s criticism in the two days after the United States’ World Cup exit, but there doesn’t appear to be a personal grudge between the two.
Lloyd has previously praised Pulisic, to the point that she received criticism in 2024 for implying he was one of the world’s rising stars.
“And then Messi has just had that crown. But there’s other players; Jude Bellingham, Pulisic’s coming up,” Lloyd said during Copa America coverage.
That was 🔥 @pulisic! On a different level right now. #USMNT
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) June 23, 2024
Now, Lloyd is criticizing Pulisic while she is in her role as a Fox Sports analyst — though she also tweeted Tuesday night from her personal account to take aim at the AC Milan standout.
Lloyd has plenty of experience on the world stage, as she won two Women’s World Cups with the United States and famously scored a hat trick in the 2015 Women’s World Cup final.
Here’s a closer look at what Lloyd said about Pulisic.
What did Carli Lloyd say about Christian Pulisic?
Lloyd offered pointed criticism toward Pulisic after the United States lost to Belgium on Monday.
“You wanted some of the big time players to step up in big moments, and I’ve got to be honest, I was a bit disappointed in Christian Pulisic,” Lloyd said in her role as a Fox Sports analyst. “I think, 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.”
Carli Lloyd not mincing words on USMNT or Christian Pulisic pic.twitter.com/EahB27vG4J
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) July 7, 2026
After the loss, Pulisic drew some backlash for comments about resting following the ankle injury he suffered against Belgium. “I just twisted my ankle, sprained my ankle. It’s frustrating to end like that of course. But now I get time to rest, so hopefully it’ll be okay,” Pulisic said.
Lloyd didn’t appreciate that sentiment. On Tuesday night, she tweeted, “You rest when your playing career is over. Period.”
You rest when your playing career is over. Period.
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) July 8, 2026
While Lloyd didn’t call out Pulisic by name, there was no doubt she was responding to the USMNT star.
Christian Pulisic injuries
Pulisic’s availability during the World Cup was sporadic due to injuries.
The 27-year-old suffered a calf injury just before halftime of the United States’ World Cup opener against Paraguay and missed the team’s next game against Australia. While the USA’s group stage finale against Turkey was meaningless, Pulisic subbed in to get his feet back under him before the knockout stage.
After seemingly returning to health, a visibly frustrated Pulisic suffered an ankle injury against Belgium and was forced out of the game.
“I just totally twisted my ankle and my knee in one play,” Pulisic told reporters after the loss. “I mean, whatever. I have time to rest. It’s just unfortunate way to finish.”
Pulisic only played one near-complete game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but that hasn’t shielded him from much criticism in the wake of the deflating exit.