Pulisic to Miss November Friendlies
U.S. men's national team (USMNT) captain Christian Pulisic is reportedly set to miss the November international friendlies. AC Milan has requested that the winger remain in Italy to continue his rehabilitation from a hamstring strain.
The 26-year-old sustained the injury during the October international window. He came off the bench in the win against Australia but subsequently missed AC Milan's recent fixtures. According to reports, AC Milan officials pushed for Pulisic to skip the upcoming USMNT squad to avoid further risk.
Pulisic's absence will be significant for the USMNT as they prepare for friendlies against Paraguay on November 15 in Chester, Pennsylvania, and Uruguay on November 18 in Tampa, Florida. Both Paraguay and Uruguay have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. These matches are the final ones on the USMNT's calendar for 2025. The team will next convene in March 2026. The draw for the 48-team World Cup will be held on December 5 in Washington, D.C. The U.S., along with Canada and Mexico, will co-host the tournament, with the USMNT's opening match scheduled for June 12 at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles.
AC Milan's request highlights the tension that can arise between club and country regarding player fitness. The Italian club is keen to have Pulisic available for crucial Serie A matches, including the Derby della Madonnina against Inter Milan on November 23.
Pulisic has been a key player for AC Milan this season, with four goals and two assists in Serie A, and a total of six goals across all competitions. His absence from the USMNT squad will provide an opportunity for other players to step up and gain valuable experience. Potential replacements for Pulisic in the friendlies include Malik Tillman.
The USMNT's November friendlies are important preparation matches for the 2026 World Cup. Without Pulisic, head coach Mauricio Pochettino will have an opportunity to assess other players and experiment with different lineups. The team will aim to build cohesion and develop strategies in preparation for the World Cup, where they will be co-hosts.
The USMNT has a mixed record against Paraguay, with four wins, two losses, and two draws. Their most recent encounter in Chester resulted in a 1-0 victory for the U.S. in 2016. Against Uruguay, the USMNT will face a tough challenge against a team that has consistently performed well on the international stage.
