Christian Pulisic has looked ahead to the home World Cup this summer, insisting the United States are in a good place as a team.
The USA are one of the host nations and the pressure is really ramping up on them as their struggles to get results continues. Over the most recent international break they were beaten 5-2 by Belgium as mentioned and 2-0 by Portugal, with Mauricio Pochettino coming under fire.
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Pulisic also largely struggled in both of those matches too, continuing a difficult patch of form both for Milan and his national team. He is yet to score a goal in 2026 after an excellent first half of the season, with his performance levels having dipped too.
‘I don’t take it lightly’
Pulisic spoke to Reuters ahead of the tournament that will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, revealing his confidence despite tough recent form for club and country, which saw him lose the captaincy too.
Is this the best team you’ve been a part of?
“I think you could say so. 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.”
Does it mean a bit more with it being a home World Cup?
“A World Cup is enough motivation in itself and having it in the U.S., having my family and close friends there, there’s just nothing more you can ask for.”
The USA face Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles…
“I know the energy in the stadiums is going to be great. We want to take as much of that as we can, take that motivation and push to make the American people proud.”
Does the shirt still carry a deep meaning for you?
“Representing the U.S. and being able to wear that crest, I don’t take it lightly. It’s something I’ve been doing since I was 17 years old… I’m very proud to be an American and am grateful for everything this country has given me. I just want to give everything back and hopefully make some people proud.”
You have often been saddled with labels such as “Captain America” and cast as the public face of the men’s game in the country…
“I’d say I definitely tune it out. It’s not something I look into too much. I worry about what I can do and how I can help my team and how I can help us win.
“I hope what I do from a day-to-day perspective, in training every single day, the way that I work, I hope I can show people my dedication to the team and lead by example.
“I’m focused on doing my job. If I can inspire some people along the way, that’s amazing. That pushes me and I hope to do that. But I don’t feel pressure to do it.”
Do you have a message to the fans?
“The team’s in a good place. People should be excited and hopefully ready to cheer us on.”
