U.S. loses to Belgium 4-1, Pulisic exits with ankle injury

The United States men's national soccer team's 2026 World Cup campaign ended on Monday with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16, a loss compounded by an injury to star forward Christian Pulisic. The match, played at Lumen Field in Seattle, saw the last co-host nation eliminated from the tournament.

Pulisic, the team's most accomplished striker, was forced to leave the match in the 59th minute after sustaining a right ankle injury. The incident occurred in the 52nd minute when his shot attempt made contact with the boot of Belgium captain Youri Tielemans. After remaining on the ground, Pulisic attempted to continue but was visibly limping and was subsequently replaced by Sebastian Berhalter.

U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino said after the game that he believed Pulisic had twisted his ankle and expressed hope the injury was not serious, noting the player would soon need to reintegrate with his club, AC Milan, for the upcoming season. Pulisic described having to leave the game as difficult to deal with, stating he was disappointed he could not help the team overcome a top opponent.

The injury marked another setback in a tournament hampered by fitness issues for Pulisic. He...