The absence of several U.S. Men’s National Team stars from the CONCACAF Gold Cup has reignited a long-standing debate: Do America’s top players value their European clubs more than their national team?
Players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie were notably absent from the upcoming Gold Cup squad, raising questions about the commitment of Europe-based stars to the national cause. While some cited injuries or needed rest, fans and analysts weren’t fully convinced—especially as other nations bring their A-lists to similar continental tournaments like Copa América.
Former USMNT captain and ESPN analyst Landon Donovan didn’t shy away from addressing the situation:
“Look, we always want to give players the benefit of the doubt,” Donovan said. “But the truth is, the best way to build chemistry and pride in wearing the badge is by showing up—especially for tournaments that matter. If Argentina can send Messi to Copa América, why can’t we have our best at the Gold Cup?”
There’s no denying the pressures European-based players face. Clubs like AC Milan, Juventus, and Bournemouth pay millions for their talents and expect full commitment, especially in pre-season camps. For a player like Pulisic, who had just moved to Milan, or Tyler Adams, coming off injury, the choice to skip the Gold Cup may have felt professional, not personal.
But the optics are troubling.
Former USMNT defender Alexi Lalas added:
“We talk about wanting to be a global soccer power. That starts with taking our own competitions seriously. If we treat the Gold Cup like a B-team tournament, players will do the same.”
And that’s part of the issue—U.S. Soccer itself hasn’t consistently treated the Gold Cup as a premier priority, often using it as a testing ground rather than a full-strength push for regional dominance.
Compare that with South American or African nations, where stars fly across the globe for qualifying matches and continental pride. The U.S. has the talent to compete globally, but the commitment must match.
Ultimately, the balance between club and country is delicate. But as the USMNT seeks to build a winning culture ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil, these choices matter.
The fans have spoken, legends have weighed in, and the debate is heating up:
If national pride takes a backseat to club priorities, what message does that send to the next generation of American players?
