By RONALD BLUM, AP Sports Writer
U.S. star Christian Pulisic fractured his right leg during the Americans’ World Cup loss to Belgium and will be sidelined for several weeks.
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Pulisic has a bone bruise and a microfracture of his tibia and fibula, the U.S. Soccer Federation said Thursday. The diagnosis was made after an X-ray and MRI on Tuesday.
He would not have been able to play during the remainder of the tournament had the U.S. advanced.
United States’ Christian Pulisic reacts after a challenge during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Belgium in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
United States’ Christian Pulisic (10) reacts following the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
United States’ Christian Pulisic (10) reacts during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
United States’ Christian Pulisic (10) reacts after a challenge during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Pulisic is expected to resume training before AC Milan’s Serie A opener at Torino on Aug. 23.
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Pulisic hit a leg of Belgium captain Youri Tielemans while attempting a shot in the 52nd minute of Monday’s 4-1 round-of-16 loss at Seattle. He remained in the game but was hobbling and Sebastian Berhalter replaced him in the 59th minute.
Pulisic failed to score in the World Cup, missing one of the Americans’ five matches because of a calf injury and leaving two other games early. He has 30 goals in 90 international appearances.
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Pulisic, who turns 28 in September, is entering his fourth season with Milan.
See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here