U.S.A. fans will love what Christian Pulisic just said about this World Cup for the USMNT
By Kian Long
Christian Pulisic just poured more gas onto the World Cup fire, saying that this is the best group of players he's ever played with for the USMNT. As one of the U.S.A.'s senior players, Pulisic recognized that this team has things that former teams may not have had - versatility and players on top form for some of the best clubs in the world.
We are now under 50 days until the World Cup commences, with the first match being Mexico vs South Africa. The U.S.A. plays its first match against Paraguay, followed by the other two group games against Australia and Turkey.
Christian Pulisic sees opportunity, not pressure, at the World Cup
There will be eyes on the USMNT. For every single player in the roster, this is the most amount of eyes they will ever have on them. The World Cup is the biggest stage in sports, and with the U.S.A. being one of three host nations this year, there is added pressure.
However, Christian Pulisic sees that pressure as a privilege. "A World Cup is enough motivation in itself," said Pulisic, "and having it in the U.S., having my family and close friends there, there's just nothing more you can ask for."
Christian Pulisic doesn't need to carry the USMNT on his shoulders anymore
Pulisic is very much the guy for the USMNT. It's been a few years since he was infamously dubbed the LeBron James of soccer, but that statement still rings true. What has changed since that claim was made, though, is that the USMNT is no longer a one-man rock band.
"I think you could say so," Pulisic said to Reuters after being asked if the 2026 roster was the best U.S. team he has been a part of.
"Looking at the guys playing at the highest levels and doing extremely well at their clubs, and I think for sure you have a really, really strong squad and depth as well. Multiple guys that can play in every position. It's a very strong team."
Indeed, predicting the first team that will face Paraguay is a near-impossible task, and that's not just because of injuries. Poch has talent at his disposal, and while the depth isn't as strong as USMNT fans would like, the head coach is blessed with the ability to move players around.
Weston McKennie is perhaps the USMNT's most versatile player. Still, other players like Haji Wright and even Christian Pulisic himself can play in multiple positions in the forward line or midfield.
In some aspects, the USMNT has already proven itself. They have players like Chris Richards beating Man City to the FA Cup and Liverpool to the Community Shield, Tyler Adams recently helping Bournemouth to beat the then Premier League leaders Arsenal, and Weston McKennie playing alongside World Cup winners himself at Juventus.
Nevertheless, just being known has never been enough for the U.S.A. in any sport they've competed in. Where women's soccer has taken gigantic leaps in the U.S., the men's team will see it as their personal duty to exceed expectations in a year of being the hosts.