Caught in the Crossfire: Club World Cup, National Team Loyalty, and the Fatigue Crisis Facing Soccer's Elite

With next summer’s 2025 FIFA Club World Cup set to kick off in the United States, the tournament is already drawing more than just commercial buzz and global intrigue—it’s setting off alarm bells among national team managers and players alike, who are concerned with one thing: burnout.

The tournament’s expansion to 32 clubs, its month-long format, and a promised prize pool reportedly exceeding $150 million have elevated the Club World Cup’s significance for FIFA and the participating teams. But the timing—just one year ahead of the 2026 World Cup—has ignited a fresh round of conflict between club demands and national team ambitions.

And for many of the game’s biggest stars, the tug-of-war is starting now.

Pulisic and Dest: Fatigue Over Flags

One of the most telling early signs came when U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino unveiled his Gold Cup roster—without Christian Pulisic. The AC Milan winger, widely seen as the de facto face of American soccer, was left off the squad due to what’s been labeled as "fatigue" following a demanding club season in Italy. He isn’t alone. Defender Sergiño Dest was also recently dropped from contention, with U.S. Soccer citing his recovery from a long-term ACL injury suffered in April.

Though Pulisic has long been a devoted U.S. international, his absence in a tournament where the U.S. is expected to contend raises eyebrows—especially when contrasted with what’s happening in Europe. It’s not just the fans who’ve taken note.

Pochettino’s Subtle Swipe?

Pulisic’s USMNT coach, Mauricio Pochettino, has not exactly hidden his feelings about the decision. When asked about national team participation more broadly, the Argentine offered a pointed reminder of the dedication he’s seen from some of the biggest names in football: “Messi, Mbappé, Neymar . . . they are desperate to play for their national teams,” he said. He then added, “[t]he people need to prioritize the national team.”

Was it a direct jab at Pulisic’s decision? The inference was clear enough for some to read between the lines. The pressure from managers like Pochettino shows how players must constantly walk a tightrope of unspoken expectations, particularly when the stakes—both financial and reputational—are as high as they will be at the Club World Cup.

Tuchel Sets a Hard Line for England

Meanwhile, over in England, national team manager Thomas Tuchel has made headlines for his own uncompromising stance.

Despite the Club World Cup looming, Tuchel recently named a full-strength 26-man England squad for upcoming matches against Andorra and Senegal. His selection includes players from Chelsea (Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, and Noni Madueke), Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, Atlético Madrid’s Conor Gallagher, and Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham—all of whom are expected to feature in the Club World Cup.

Tuchel made it clear that no player would be allowed to leave the national team early to prepare for the tournament, emphasizing that country comes first. Perhaps to underscore his point, he left out Manchester City star Phil Foden altogether (at Foden’s own request)—giving the player the chance to partake in the Club World Cup despite City manager Pep Guardiola admitting Foden was "tired" and in need of rest.

It’s a bold move, especially considering the competition for England spots and the prestige of players like Foden. But it sends a clear message: Tuchel wants total commitment to the national team, even if it means butting heads with club managers—or benching superstars.

Redemption and Recalibration: The Ivan Toney Case

Perhaps even more surprising than Foden’s exclusion was the inclusion of Ivan Toney. After an eight-month ban by the FA for betting violations and a subsequent move to Saudi Arabia, most assumed Toney's England career was finished. But after finishing second behind Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League goal-scoring charts, Tuchel rewarded Toney’s resurgence with a national team recall.

For a manager so concerned with discipline and national pride, the decision to reintegrate Toney—who many viewed as persona non grata—signals that performance and hunger may ultimately trump baggage. But it also adds a layer of complexity: while some fatigued players are being discarded and pushed aside, others are being flown across continents for a second chance.

A Double Standard? Mbappé, Bellingham, and the Uneven Playing Field

In the midst of all of this, one can’t help but notice that not all players are held to the same standards. Kylian Mbappé played in the UEFA Nations League this summer and will almost certainly make the trip to the U.S. next year for PSG’s Club World Cup campaign. Jude Bellingham, fresh off a grueling debut season with Real Madrid (and reportedly set for shoulder surgery following the conclusion of the tournament), is also expected to juggle both club and country.

This inconsistency—where some players are given time to rest while others shoulder massive workloads—only intensifies the debate over what is expected of modern footballers. Are stars like Bellingham and Mbappé simply better equipped to handle the load? Or are national team managers simply more willing to bend the rules when it comes to their most marketable players?

The Bigger Picture: Club Power, Contracts, and the 2026 World Cup Horizon

The Club World Cup is more than just a tournament—it's a proving ground for FIFA’s ambition to turn club competitions into global blockbusters. But with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, national team coaches are already strategizing, monitoring player workloads, and building continuity. The message is growing clearer: skip the Club World Cup if necessary, rest up, and focus on the badge.

Yet, there's one massive problem: contracts. The majority of players may be contractually obligated to appear for their club in tournaments like the Club World Cup if they are healthy and selected. And with millions of dollars in prize money at stake—not to mention branding opportunities in the U.S. market—clubs will likely demand that their biggest and best stars show up.

That raises serious questions and poses tough dilemmas: What happens when a club insists a player travel and compete, even if the player—or their national team manager—wants them to rest? What leverage do national federations have? Could we see situations where clubs “bench” players who opt out? Or worse, will players risk injury or long-term wear just to keep everyone happy?

A Balancing Act with No Easy Answer

As the borders between club and country blur—and as the calendar becomes increasingly congested—the burden being placed on elite players is more visible than ever. Christian Pulisic’s absence may be the first domino to fall, but it's unlikely to be the last.

If this summer is any indication, the lead-up to the 2025 Club World Cup (and 2026 World Cup) will be defined by tough decisions, political posturing, and a whole lot of pressure on players caught in the middle.

Because in the end, no matter what badge is on their chest—club or country—it’s the players who carry the weight.

Oliver Canning is a 3L at the University of Miami School of Law. He can be followed on Twitter (X) @OCanning and found on LinkedIn.