World Cup 2026: Carli Lloyd doubles down on Christian Pulisic 'rest' comments after USMNT star's microfracture diagnosis

USMNT star Christian Pulisic caught more than a little heat for his presence (or lack thereof) in the 2026 World Cup, with former USWNT star Carli Lloyd among his most notable critics.

It turns out there was more to his absences than needing rest. It was reported Thursday morning that Pulisic had sustained a bone bruise and microfracture in the tibia/fibula of his right leg. The injury caused him to be subbed off in the second half of the USMNT's 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16.

Pulisic is reportedly expected to miss several weeks, but could return in time for the start of his club AC Milan's Serie A schedule on Aug. 23.

Before Pulisic's injury was reported, Lloyd had been heavily critical of him, both on television and on social media. While working as an analyst for Fox Sports following the Belgium match, she pointed specifically to his absence:

"You wanted some of the big-time players to step up in big moments, and I've got to be honest, I was a bit disappointed in Christian Pulisic. I think, whether he wants to be the star of this team or not, we didn't see enough from him in this particular game and really the whole World Cup."

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And then she outright rejected the idea of rest during one's playing career on social media.

A couple days later, Lloyd held firm on her criticism following the microfracture news and said her criticisms were more broad than just Pulisic's Round of 16 exit, pointing to his absence at the CONCACAF Gold Cup last year.

For her part, Lloyd won two FIFA Women's World Cups and two Olympic gold medals, posting the second-most caps (316) and third-most goals (134) in U.S. history.