With just over two months until the World Cup, the United States suffered a heavy 5-2 loss to Belgium, a reality check that exposed major concerns at a crucial stage of preparation.

It was a sobering defeat that arrives at the right time in terms of lessons learned, but one that nonetheless raises alarms across U.S. soccer circles.

Pulisic’s scoring drought continues

Beyond the team’s struggles, much of the focus fell on star attacker Christian Pulisic, who continues to battle a prolonged scoring slump for both club and country.

The U.S. men’s national team standout has not scored for AC Milan since Dec. 28, 2025, now a three-month drought without finding the net in any competition.

For the national team, the picture is even starker. Pulisic has not scored since November 2024, when he netted against Jamaica. That remains his only goal under Mauricio Pochettino.

Missed Pulisic chance changed the game

Nicknamed “Captain America,” Pulisic had a key opportunity early in the second half to make it 2-1, but he fired well wide. Belgium took full advantage of the missed moment and never looked back.

From that point on, Pulisic largely faded from the match as Belgium seized control.

Confusion, frustration, and outside criticism

Postgame, Pulisic’s earlier comments about similarities between the Belgium and U.S. kits also drew attention, with some suggesting they sounded more like frustration than explanation.

“It’s difficult. Many times you get the ball and look up, you really cannot focus on anything. You can only rely on the color of the shirt. That’s how it works. And when it’s very similar, it’s difficult,” Pulisic said after the match.

Broadcast voices also weighed in during the defeat.

“Pulisic missed the 2-1 early and then Belgium score the 1-2. After that VAR penalty took USA out of the match. From there, it was a different sport,” said Andrés Cantor of Telemundo Deportes.

ESPN analyst Hérculez Gómez was equally direct, adding: “Pulisic’s first-half performance was poor.”

Pochettino offers backing to Pulisic

Despite the criticism and the scoreline, head coach Mauricio Pochettino backed his star player and downplayed concerns over his goal drought.

“Christian is playing. And of course, he is not scoring, but for me it is not just about scoring goals,” Pochettino said.

“For me, I am happy with him for the way he is performing, the way he is committed to the team, and the minutes he is playing.”

Pulisic finished with three shots, none on target, and lost possession eight times in 71 minutes on the field. He admitted afterward that the run of form has been frustrating, but insisted he still feels confident in his game.

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