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The USMNT enters the 2026 World Cup with a Christian Pulisic concern

He's not out of form, but he is beneath his own standards.

By Kian Long

Oct 10, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; United States forward Christian Pulisic (10) on the bench before the match at Q2 Stadium. Pulisic was a second-half substitute.
Oct 10, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; United States forward Christian Pulisic (10) on the bench before the match at Q2 Stadium. Pulisic was a second-half substitute. / Scott Coleman-Imagn Images
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If you were to ask any fan across the world who the best American soccer player is, nine out of ten would say Christian Pulisic a few years ago. Since then, though, the USMNT has increased its firepower, and let’s face it, Christian Pulisic is no longer the USMNT’s MVP. 

In fact, Pulisic has turned into somewhat of a liability for the USMNT. He is part of the iconic wide-emphasized system that Mauricio Pochettino has made synonymous with the Stars and Stripes, but the formerly known “LeBron James of soccer” is playing more like Adam Morrison when he fell off. 

Pulisic’s lapse in form couldn’t come at a worse time for USMNT fans

Christian Pulisic is yet to score a goal for club or country in 2026. While his overall performances have been pretty good, the lack of goals are an increasing concern for fans turning to Pulisic this summer. 

As the USA hosts the World Cup this summer, alongside Canada and Mexico, all eyes will be on Pulisic. As far as the USMNT has progressed in recent years, Pulisic remains the most iconic player on the roster, and with great pressure comes great responsibility. 

Pulisic has carried the USMNT over the line in the past, but he might not be in peak condition to do the same this year. 

In soccer, lapses in form are not as unusual as they may be in other sports. Due to the gruelling schedule, particularly in Europe where Pulisic plays, peaks and troughs are simply part of the game, even in the same calendar month.  

However, Pulisic will want to enter a good run of form sooner rather than later. He will certainly be on the plane back to his homeland this summer regardless of his form, but the USMNT need him in his best condition if they are to progress far as hosts. There is no expectation for the USMNT to win the competition, but they'll at least want to make it past the group stage as a minimum.

AC Milan remains in question of winning the Scudetto in Italy, and Christian Pulisic is still one of Milan’s most important players. He’s incentivized to bring his A-game in the coming months, and Mauricio Pochettino will be wishing on every star that his MVP comes back across the pond with his confidence improved. Otherwise, it could be an early night for the USMNT.

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