US star Christian Pulisic exits vs Belgium with injury

The US captain limps off after trying to play through the apparent foot injury

Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 16 - United States v Belgium - Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington, US - Jul 6, 2026 Christian Pulisic of the US reacts after sustaining an injury IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Troy Wayrynen

US men's national team star midfielder Christian Pulisic was subbed off in the second half of the team's round of 16 World Cup match against Belgium with an apparent foot injury.

With the US trailing 2-1, Pulisic was lining up a shot at the edge of the 18-yard box in the 54th minute.

Belgium's Youri Tielemans stepped between the ball and Pulisic's foot, leading to the American kicking Tielemans' foot.

After staying down initially following the play to warrant a stoppage, Pulisic attempted to play through the injury but was visibly limping. He was subbed off in the 57th minute after Belgium took advantage of keeper Matt Freese's blunder to extend their lead to 3-1.

Pulisic was visibly emotional on the sideline after being subbed off.

Pending a late comeback, he'll finish his second World Cup with one assist in four matches. He missed one group-stage match and an additional half due to a calf injury sustained in the opening match vs Paraguay.