Tyler Adams Breaks Silence On Pulisic & USMNT Stars' Gold Cup Snub Amid Pochettino Row

With the 2026 World Cup less than a year away, the USMNT will have its sights on preparing in the best possible way. Mauricio Pochettino was unable to help the USMNT to glory in the Gold Cup this summer but without key players.

One of the challenges Pochettino faced this summer was not being able to have players like Christian Pulisic one year before the World Cup. Pulisic's refusal to play in the Gold Cup caused controversy among USMNT fans.

Former USMNT players questioned Pulisic's commitment to the national team. Many suggested that Pochettino and Pulisic had a falling-out after the USMNT head coach refused to let the AC Milan star play in two friendlies before the Gold Cup and skip the tournament entirely.

During the Gold Cup, players like Tyler Adams avoided commenting on the situation regarding Pulisic's absence from the USMNT squad this summer. Adams broke his silence on players like Pulisic missing the Gold Cup due to his request to rest.

Tyler Adams on Pulisic missing the Gold Cup

Adams is seen as more committed to the USMNT over Christian Pulisic, as he decided to play the Gold Cup after a long season with Bournemouth. Adams and Pulisic play in Europe, but Adams understood his national team teammate's decision to stay home.

Adams told the NY Post that he didn't "feel any single way" about players like Pulisic deciding to rest instead of playing in the Gold Cup and that they “made a decision that was best for themselves.”

Adams took positives from the Gold Cup despite not winning the tournament. The USMNT midfielder praised the squad that participated this summer and believes there is a bright future ahead of the World Cup next summer.

Tyler Adams: "We are continuing to build a culture that we want to build, and I think that showed throughout the tournament."

Tyler Adams on Gold Cup roster

Just days after the Gold Cup Final, where Mexico defeated the USMNT 2-1, Adams was asked about what he took from the team this summer.

Adams recognized and referred to the Pulisic-Pochettino 'fallout' or controversy, and mentioned how the team pushed through without being affected by the drama outside the pitch.

Adams mentioned that players who participated in the USMNT camp for the Gold Cup made sacrifices to ensure positives ahead of the World Cup next year.

Tyler Adams: "There's so many positives that we can take away from this camp. It brought us all closer."