The United States national team have confirmed that forward Christian Pulisic suffered a leg fracture during their 4-1 defeat by Belgium in the World Cup last 16. The injury matters because Pulisic is the team's talisman, and his early substitution — combined with a heavy exit — has intensified scrutiny of both his performance and the squad's campaign on home soil.

Pulisic, 27, was withdrawn in the 59th minute in Seattle, appearing to hurt himself early in the second half when a shot attempt saw him kick the back of Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans' leg. US Soccer diagnosed a microfracture and bone bruise of the tibia/fibula in his right leg, and will work with his club, AC Milan, on his recovery. Former US stars Carli Lloyd and Landon Donovan criticised his display and withdrawal, while The Athletic reported he will be out for several weeks rather than months, ahead of Milan's Serie A opener against Torino on 23 August.