Christian Pulisic is at the center of attention as the U.S. men’s national team begins its World Cup campaign on Friday in Los Angeles. The 27-year-old is considered the most talented American player of his generation. Many expect him to deliver the best outcome in U.S. history, especially since the tournament is on home soil.
Pulisic acknowledges the pressure but aims to remain calm. “I think no matter what, wherever you are playing, in the World Cup there’s pressure. I’m just going to try to live in the moment and enjoy the best I can,” he told NBC News at his club’s training facility, AC Milan.
The U.S. men’s team hasn’t advanced beyond the quarterfinals since 2002. They missed the World Cup in 2018, didn’t get past the group stage in 2006, and were knocked out in the round of 16 in 2010, 2014, and 2022. Fans and commentators are now questioning the potential of the current team, labeled “The Golden Generation.”
Former U.S. defender Alexi Lalas criticized the team last month. “This generation has received everything they need in terms of resources and opportunities. I don’t think it’s unrealistic to expect more from them,” he said.
Pulisic faced backlash last summer for skipping the CONCACAF Gold Cup to focus on his mental and physical health. Questions have also emerged about his professional performance. While he had two strong seasons with AC Milan, he struggled to find consistency in the 2025-26 season, missing seven games due to minor injuries and not scoring in 2026.
Pulisic’s leadership style has been debated. He considers himself an introvert, leading by example rather than words. Fellow U.S. star Weston McKennie supports this approach, saying Pulisic leads by his actions.
Jozy Altidore, a former teammate, praised Pulisic’s talent and work ethic. “Christian was always respectful, humble, and incredibly hardworking. He had a competitive spirit,” Altidore said. He believes Pulisic’s growth stems from overcoming challenges.
Pulisic showed his skills in a friendly against Senegal, scoring a goal and assisting in a 3-2 victory. Tim Howard, a former U.S. goalkeeper, believes Pulisic could captivate international audiences if he performs well.
Pulisic remains focused despite skepticism about the team’s capabilities. He emphasizes playing well against top teams rather than aiming for a specific round. “Putting in really good performances against the biggest teams is what we want to do, and I think the results will come,” he said.
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