Pulisic Embraces U.S. World Cup Burden at 27 Ahead of Paraguay Opener

Q: Can Pulisic shake off his recent club struggles to deliver for the U.S. on the world's biggest stage?

Yes — the evidence suggests Pulisic is well placed to move past his club slump and deliver for the United States. His AC Milan form is the main concern. After a fast start to the 2025-26 season, he went scoreless through 2026, missed time with minor injuries, and finished the campaign under scrutiny as Milan faded. That makes the question fair, especially with the pressure of a home World Cup. But his U.S. record points the other way. Pulisic has long been the team’s most reliable difference-maker, with more than 30 international goals, and he produced on the biggest stage in Qatar with a goal and an assist as the Americans reached the knockout round. He has also shown before that poor club form does not necessarily carry over to the national team. There are also timely signs of recovery. He had a goal and an assist in the recent 3-2 win over Senegal, and he says he feels calmer and more relaxed than he did before the 2022 World Cup. Teammates Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie have stressed that he no longer has to carry the entire attack alone. That matters because Mauricio Pochettino’s system is built to spread the burden. With Balogun, Pepi and other attacking options around him, Pulisic should face less isolation and more favorable situations. If the U.S. can get him the ball in advanced areas, he remains the player most likely to decide matches. He does not need to be perfect. He needs to be decisive, and history suggests he usually is for the U.S.

3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 11

Friday’s opener against Paraguay will put Christian Pulisic at the center of U.S. expectations, with the 27-year-old saying he feels calmer and ready rather than weighed down.
Pulisic said stronger support around him means he does not have to carry the team alone, while coach Mauricio Pochettino stressed the national-team culture matters more than any single name.
His importance remains clear after an 18-month U.S. goal drought ended on May 31, and teammate Tyler Adams said the Americans have relied on Pulisic since his senior debut at 17.
The U.S. is trying to reduce that dependence at its home World Cup by building a more aggressive attack around Pulisic, with Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi set for their tournament debuts.

Sources

The Associated Press1d ago

Christian Pulisic Ready to Lead US in Home World Cup Opener

USA TODAY1d ago

Christian Pulisic subbed out of USA vs Paraguay World Cup opener at half

NBC News17h ago

Captain America' Christian Pulisic has played under pressure before, but nothing like this World Cup

13 Sources

Can Pulisic shake off his recent club struggles to deliver for the U.S. on the world's biggest stage?

As host cities face staggering costs, is the World Cup a victory for American soccer or a massive windfall for FIFA?

USMNT’s 4-1 Win Over Paraguay: Pulisic’s Fitness, Pochettino’s Tactics, and 2026 World Cup Ambitions

Overview

The USMNT began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay, making a strong statement in front of their home crowd. This performance, praised as their best under coach Pochettino, was driven by captain Christian Pulisic, who played a key role in the first half with constant attacking threats and a crucial assist. Although Pulisic was substituted at halftime due to a calf injury, the team maintained their momentum, showcasing their depth and collective strength. The victory set an optimistic tone for the tournament and heightened national expectations for the USMNT as hosts.

...