Pulisic's Milan Contract Under Fire After World Cup

Christian Pulisic is not in the starting lineup for AC Milan against Ferencvaros in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

This comes four days after he scored the opening goal in Milan's 3-1 Derby della Madonnina victory over Inter.

Ruben Amorim, the Milan head coach, named Pulisic among the substitutes for the Matchday 4 clash at San Siro.

The American winger is available and fit.

He was not dropped due to injury or suspension.

Amorim chose Goncalo Ramos to lead the attack in a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Luka Modric, the veteran Croatian midfielder, also starts on the bench alongside Pulisic.

The decision raises questions about Pulisic's standing under Amorim, especially after the 28-year-old recently signed a contract extension with the club.

Pulisic's new deal ended months of speculation about his future at Milan.

Throughout the 2025-26 season, he had an extension offer on the table but did not sign it, keeping his options open.

The 2026 World Cup, held in North America, was seen as the ultimate showcase for his ability.

Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT showed flashes but crashed out in the round of 16 against Belgium.

Pulisic, long billed as 'Captain America,' faced intense scrutiny on home soil.

Ex-USMNT goalkeeper Brad Friedel told GOAL: 'A lot of criticism for the first time.'

Friedel added: 'I don't know Christian, believe it or not.

When I was coaching with the U19 national team, it was his birth year.

I did the 98s when I first took over, but he was already up with Jurgen Klinsman at senior level.'

Transfer talk in Italy faded after the World Cup.

Pulisic made a relatively slow start to the 2026-27 season.

He has been benched at times under Amorim, the former Manchester United boss.

But Pulisic has responded.

He has registered two goals in his last three appearances, including the derby strike.

He has now committed to fresh terms, bringing exit talk to a close.

Since joining Milan from Chelsea in 2023, Pulisic has posted personal bests, including 17 goals in his second season.

Milan's passionate fan base has taken him to their hearts.

He has said he believes that faith should be reciprocated, favoring continuity over another change of scenery.

Yet Thursday's lineup suggests his role is not yet secure.

Milan enter the match in a precarious position in the Europa League.

They have three points from three matches — a 4-0 win over Salzburg, and defeats to Benfica and Bournemouth.

That places them 24th in the 36-team league-phase standings, occupying the final play-off spot.

With five fixtures remaining, Amorim needs consistent performances to avoid a difficult path to the knockout stages.

Ferencvaros present a difficult challenge.

The Hungarian side has won all three of their Europa League matches so far.

Victories over Celtic, Viktoria Plzen and Torreense have earned Balazs Borbely's side nine points, putting them in contention for direct qualification to the last 16.

Ferencvaros are also in strong domestic form, reportedly going 20 consecutive matches without defeat across all competitions.

Kristoffer Zachariassen and Dele Yusuf have been key in attack, while Veljko Birmancevic provides another threat.

Thursday's encounter is the first competitive meeting between Milan and Ferencvaros.

Milan are without several key players for the match.

Mike Maignan is suspended.

Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Samuel Chukwueze and Alexis Saelemaekers are all injured.