Christian Pulisic is omitted from the United States men’s national team lineup against Chile, the Stars and Stripes’ second fixture of the new World Cup cycle.
The 90‑cap veteran will miss the September‑October international window, during which the U.S. faces four friendlies.
After a 4‑1 thrashing of Peru on Saturday, Mauricio Pochettino’s side hosts Chile in St. Louis tonight, then squares off with Mexico and Canada later.
Why isn’t Pulisic in the squad?
Pulisic was left off Pochettino’s youthful 28‑man roster while he completes his return to full fitness, having only recently re‑joined AC Milan’s squad.
The 28‑year‑old didn’t start for Milan until September 20, after a leg injury suffered in the World Cup round‑of‑16 loss to Belgium kept him sidelined.
While the omission looks health‑related and aligns with Pochettino’s push to test young prospects, the coach did not specifically address ‘Captain America’ when unveiling the squad.
“The 28 players involved in these four games are the … players we want to see and work with,” Pochettino said on September 17, adding he won’t spend “one hour or maybe all day” detailing each absence.
“That is bullshit”
His remarks arrived amid rumors of a rift with Pulisic, following earlier criticism of the forward’s decision to sit out the 2025 Gold Cup.
On September 7, Pochettino explained: “Choosing the Gold Cup roster a year early was tough because the mindset was different. You think, ‘If I play, I lose holidays and won’t be fresh for the World Cup.’”
“You know now that is bullshit,” the 54‑year‑old added, vowing to “change this type of idea that are not right.”
Pulisic, who broke a nine‑month club drought by scoring in Milan’s 3‑0 Serie A win over Lecce, is one of several seasoned internationals absent from the fall roster; Balogun, Pepi and McKennie join him as the squad tackles a quartet of friendlies.
Even though veterans like Antonee Robinson, Chris Richards and Tyler Adams remain, Pochettino selected 13 uncapped players as he builds toward the 2030 World Cup.
Eleven of those newcomers debuted against Peru, including 16‑year‑old wonderkid Cavan Sullivan, who shone for Philadelphia Union and became the second‑youngest starter in U.S. history.
USMNT vs Chile: kickoff times, how to watch
In St. Louis, Missouri, the U.S. and Chile clash today, Tuesday, September 29, with kickoff at CityPark at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT. Fans can stream the game on Peacock, Telemundo, Universo, TNT USA, HBO Max and fubo.
USMNT’s fall schedule in full:
- September 26: USMNT 4-1 Peru, Orlando, FL
- September 29: USMNT vs Chile, St. Louis, MO
- October 3: USMNT vs Mexico, Glendale, AZ
- October 6: USMNT vs Canada, St. Paul, MN
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