Pulisic Faces Challenges Ahead of USMNT World Cup Match

The United States men’s national team player Christian Pulisic did not anticipate his 2026 FIFA World Cup to unfold as it has. Pulisic suffered a calf injury during training and worsened it in the USMNT’s initial victory over Paraguay on June 12. This injury caused him to miss the win against Australia on June 19. Although he has recently returned to the starting lineup, he’s yet to regain his full form.

Pulisic encountered criticism following the U.S.’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. Former USMNT coach and current Chicago Fire coach Gregg Berhalter suggests the issue lies in tactics rather than Pulisic’s performance. ‘Stay wide, get the ball, take the opponent on, and have players running from there,’ Berhalter stated on FanDuel’s ‘Coaches Corner’ on July 2. ‘I don’t think we did that enough. I don’t think there was enough intention to get Christian the ball in those positions to really set him loose.’

Pulisic faced scrutiny leading up to the World Cup due to his lack of goals for AC Milan and the USMNT in the first half of 2026. Despite this, soccer fans can be assured that he is ready to tackle this pressure. ‘It’s just keeping up my routine,’ Pulisic shared with Newsweek on June 4. ‘For me, having my support system around is what helps me the most. It allows me to honestly take my mind off the game. That’s the easiest thing for me – talking to my best friends and family. Sometimes, allowing myself to be a bit distracted because when I overthink it, that’s when things get worse.’

The USMNT needs Pulisic at his best when they face Belgium in the Round of 16 in Seattle on Monday, July 6. Breakout striker Folarin Balogun, the team’s leading scorer, will not play as he received a red card against Bosnia. If the U.S. triumphs over Belgium, it would be their first appearance in the World Cup quarterfinals since 2002. The USMNT last progressed beyond the quarterfinals during the inaugural 1930 World Cup. Though Pulisic may not have embraced the “Captain America” nickname, it’s time for him to rise to the occasion.