Christian Pulisic won’t be playing in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. The United States men’s national team star opted out of the team’s final competitive competition prior to next summer’s home World Cup because he wants to rest.
Matt Crocker, the U.S. Soccer Sporting Director, said in a statement that Pulisic requested to not play in the Gold Cup.
"Christian and his team approached the Federation and the coaching staff about the possibility of stepping back this summer, given the amount of matches he has played in the past two years at both the club and international level with very little break," Crocker said in a statement.
"After thoughtful discussions and careful consideration, we made the collective decision that this is the right moment for him to get the rest he needs. The objective is to ensure he's fully prepared to perform at the highest level next season."
Many USMNT fans were upset about the news. Here were the reactions online.
Fans react to Pulisic Gold Cup absence
Knocked out of the Copa America group stage ✅️
Abject failure in the Nations League ✅️
Gold Cup is optional ✅️This generation man...— 11 Yanks (@11Yanks) May 22, 2025
If Milan wasn’t so bad and qualified to the Club World Cup, Christian Pulisic would have played for them this summer.
Yet, when it comes to the USMNT he needs to rest.We are 1 year away from the 2026 World Cup, I was told the national team is everything for him.
— Tactical Manager (@ManagerTactical) May 22, 2025
Christian Pulisic: if you’re really that banged up and don’t want to risk injury against teams that (in theory) aren’t a challenge for us, fine. At the very least, play in the friendlies against Türkiye and Switzerland that are specifically meant to prepare us for the World Cup.
— American Ultras Talk (@usmntaut) May 21, 2025
These dudes are so soft smh. https://t.co/HiKwr1f6Al
— Takes (@USMNTTAKES) May 22, 2025
Don't worry guys. They released 'Heartbeat kits' to remind us of how much the players love playing for the fans.
— 11 Yanks (@11Yanks) May 22, 2025
“Back to back European seasons”
What elite player doesn’t play in European comps and international play every season? You got bounced in February https://t.co/HlUkS6kabq— YBG Dom (@KnowerOfBans) May 21, 2025
Actively choosing not to be with the team in their last competitive minutes before the World Cup. Pathetic. I don't care about your long season. https://t.co/t2MXe4JsRb
— USMNT Report (@USMNTReport) May 21, 2025
A 27-man roster was revealed on Thursday for training camp ahead of the Gold Cup as well as a pair of friendlies against Switzerland and Turkey. Pulisic wasn’t the only notable name absent.
Summer soccer on deck ☀️
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) May 22, 2025
The USA’s best defender Antonee Robinson is also skipping out on the Gold Cup. Other big names miss out due to the Club World Cup occurring at the same time.
USMNT stars missing the Gold Cup
For rest/personal reasons
- Christian Pulisic
- Antonee Robinson
- Yunus Musah
For Club World Cup
- Weston McKennie
- Timothy Weah
- Gio Reyna
The USMNT’s Gold Cup campaign begins on June 15 against Trinidad and Tobago.
