Landon Donovan Reveals Growing Frustration With Christian Pulisic’s Camp After USMNT World Cup Exit
Landon Donovan has claimed frustration with Christian Pulisic's camp has reached a boiling point following the United States' 4-1 defeat to Belgium.
Follow Us
Landon Donovan and Christian Pulisic (Image: X)
Landon Donovan has intensified his criticism of Christian Pulisic following the United States men’s national team’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, claiming frustration with the star forward’s camp extends beyond the pitch.
The former USMNT captain made the remarks on the latest episode of the Unfiltered Soccer podcast after the United States was knocked out of the tournament following a 4-1 Round of 16 defeat to Belgium.
Earlier this week, Donovan questioned Pulisic’s decision to leave the match after suffering a sprained ankle. Reflecting on the incident, Donovan said that if he had been in the same position during an elimination game, “you would have had to drag me off the field.”
On the podcast, Donovan said his concerns extended beyond the injury and alleged that people connected to U.S. Soccer have become frustrated with how matters surrounding Pulisic are handled.
I speak to people who are at U.S. Soccer, I speak to his sponsors, I speak to his teammates, I speak to the staff and the coaches. People are fed up with the way things are handled around him. And it’s not necessarily him, but it’s his agents, his family, his hangers-on, the people that are influencing (him). People are fed up with it. They treat people poorly. They do things poorly. It’s always a no whenever you want to ask him to do an interview. It’s always a no; you can’t get near him.
Landon Donovan via Unfiltered Soccer podcast
Donovan also reflected on his own experience after the 2006 FIFA World Cup, saying he sought therapy after the tournament and that it helped him improve his mindset and approach during the remainder of his international career. He then urged Pulisic to take greater ownership of how those around him represent him publicly.
(Pulisic) needs to man up and have a conversation with (his reps) and say, ‘Look guys, this is not helping me. He needs to get some training on media. I did, too. I said a lot of dumb things … but all of these things can be a positive. I have to say, though, he has a big challenge ahead of him.
Landon Donovan via Unfiltered Soccer podcast
Landon Donovan goes OFF on Christian Pulisic 😮
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) July 8, 2026
“People are fed up with the way things are handled around him. And it's not necessarily him, but it's his agents, his family, his hangers-on, the people who are influencing. People are fed up with it.”
“They treat people poorly.…
Donovan also acknowledged that his relationship with Pulisic has deteriorated. He said the two “don’t have a great relationship” and that he does not think Pulisic likes or respects him.
The disagreement between the two has been public since last year, when Donovan criticized Pulisic for opting to rest during the club’s off-season instead of joining the United States for the Concacaf Gold Cup ahead of the World Cup cycle.
Christian Pulisic thanks supporters after the United States’ FIFA World Cup exit
Christian Pulisic broke his silence on social media on Wednesday, sharing a message of appreciation for fans after the United States’ World Cup campaign came to an end.
The United States captain posted on Instagram two days after the team’s Round of 16 defeat to Belgium, thanking supporters while acknowledging the disappointment of the tournament’s outcome.
Tough to find the words. I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who believed. The support carried us all the way through. It simply wasn’t good enough from us in the end, and I wanted to deliver so much more.. I still feel blessed to be a part of this team. The memories this summer will last a lifetime. It’s just the start for us and for this sport in America.
Christian Pulisic via Instagram
Following the defeat, Pulisic revealed that he had sustained an injury during the match. “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 an unfortunate way to finish.”
Pulisic finished the tournament without scoring a goal, recording one assist and two shots on target in four appearances. He will now return to AC Milan to prepare for the upcoming Serie A season, while the United States begins its next World Cup cycle ahead of the 2030 tournament in Spain, Morocco and Portugal.
Also Read:
Rinal Chavda
(146 Articles Published)