USA vs. Mexico: Why Christian Pulisic And Other Stars Aren’t At The Gold Cup

Gold Cup USA vs. Mexico: Why Christian Pulisic And Other Stars Aren’t At The Gold Cup

The United States men’s national team is set to clash with their long-time rivals, Mexico, in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final this Sunday. However, they will be doing so without some of their most prominent stars. Unlike Mexico, who entered the tournament at nearly full capacity, the U.S. will be without several key players, including the renowned “Captain America,” Christian Pulisic. So, what’s the reason behind the U.S.’s short roster for the final?

Rest for Pulisic

Christian Pulisic made the decision to skip the Gold Cup after enduring two demanding seasons in Europe with AC Milan. The 26-year-old forward informed CBS Sports that he had offered to participate in the friendlies against Turkiye and Switzerland before the tournament commenced, but head coach Mauricio Pochettino declined his request. “That’s the coach’s decision,” Pulisic stated. “I fully respect that. I didn’t understand it, but it is what it is.”

During a pregame press conference earlier in the tournament, FOX Sports’ Doug McIntyre probed Pochettino about Pulisic’s remarks. The former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Tottenham Hotspur manager didn’t hold back. “Players don’t need to understand,” Pochettino said. “Players need to listen and to stick with our plan. They cannot dictate the plan. paymaya machine” He acknowledged that he respected Pulisic’s desire to participate in only two games rather than the Gold Cup. “When I signed my contract with the [U.S. Soccer] Federation, I am the head coach. I am not a mannequin,” added Pochettino.

Club World Cup Commitments

While the elite national teams in Concacaf are battling it out in the Gold Cup, the world’s top clubs are engaged in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Teams like Borussia Dortmund, where Gio Reyna is contracted, and Juventus, featuring Weston McKennie and Tim Weah, are among those vying for the title. McKennie played in all four of Juventus’ Club World Cup matches before their exit against Real Madrid in the Round of 16. Weah also participated but only for one half and has recently declined a transfer to Premier League club Nottingham Forest.

Reyna has seen the least action, clocking just 12 minutes throughout the entire tournament. code x777 Dortmund is scheduled to face Real Madrid in the semifinals on Saturday 218 phspin login.

The Injured Crew

Both starting fullbacks for the United States during the 2022 FIFA World Cup are absent from the Gold Cup roster due to injuries. Sergiño Dest, who last played for the U.S. in March 2024 due to a torn ACL, was left off the Gold Cup roster to allow him to continue recovering in the Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven. Holstein Kiel’s John Tolkin has taken his place on the U.S. roster.

Antonee “Jedi” Robinson had a fantastic season in the Premier League with Fulham, but his campaign was cut short due to minor surgery on his right knee. He is expected to be ready for the start of the 2025-26 Premier League season, which begins on August 15 774pub login. jilicc.cc

Are you surprised by the absence of these stars in such a crucial tournament?