U.S. Men’s National Team star Christian Pulisic has revealed he wanted to participate in the team’s recent international friendlies against Türkiye and Switzerland, but was ultimately left out due to a disagreement over his summer availability.
In a candid statement, Pulisic shared that he had expressed interest in joining the squad for the two high-profile friendlies but was told by U.S. Soccer that full commitment to the entire summer, including the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, was required.
“I did want to be a part of at least the two friendlies,” Pulisic said. “But they said no… I had to make the best decision for myself and, in the long run, for my team.”
The 26-year-old winger, who recently completed a strong club season in Europe, emphasized that his decision wasn’t about a lack of dedication to the national team. Instead, it was a strategic choice based on physical and mental readiness, along with long-term goals for both his club and country.
Pulisic’s absence from the Gold Cup has been one of the key storylines surrounding the USMNT this summer, especially amid a string of disappointing results. His comments shed new light on the internal dynamics between players and federation officials regarding national team call-ups and scheduling.
While fans may be disappointed by his absence, Pulisic’s transparency highlights the often difficult balance elite players must strike between national duty and long-term career sustainability.
