Carli Lloyd Clarifies Pulisic Criticism After 4-1 USMNT Exit, Says 2026 Team Fell Short
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 10
Carli Lloyd Clarifies Pulisic Criticism After 4-1 USMNT Exit, Says 2026 Team Fell Short
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 10
Summary
Carli Lloyd said her attack on Christian Pulisic was not just about his postgame call for rest after the 4-1 loss to Belgium, but about a U.S. team that failed to meet breakout expectations.
On X, Lloyd said Pulisic skipped last summer’s Gold Cup to be fresh for the World Cup and "ended up resting the whole year," while U.S. Soccer has since confirmed he suffered a right-leg microfracture.
Lloyd argued the so-called golden generation lacked grit more than talent, saying the U.S. looked timid against Belgium and Turkey and never found enough leaders when matches turned.
She still called the 2026 World Cup a success overall, pointing to packed stadiums, national attention and the sense of unity the team created despite its round-of-16 ceiling.