Christian Pulisic Faces Pressure as U.S. Team Prepares for World Cup

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Since he was just 17, Christian Pulisic has been seen as the hope for American soccer.

But the future is now. A new chapter begins, and it’s time to deliver.

As the U.S. men’s national team kicks off its first home World Cup in 32 years, going up against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on Friday, Pulisic stands out as a crucial player during a pivotal moment for the team. It feels like perhaps this is the moment they’ve been waiting for.

“You can hardly imagine the pressure he’s under—being the beacon of hope for American soccer since childhood,” said Tyler Adams, who has played with Pulisic on the national team since they were both young. “To enter the 2018 World Cup cycle and be the standout player at only 17, that’s a lot. The team has depended on him ever since.”

“Now we have the talent around him to ease that pressure. He’s not just a star for the U.S.; he shines on the global stage too.”

Pulisic is experiencing the kind of scrutiny typically reserved for the world’s elite footballers.

No American has faced this level of attention, not even legends like Alexi Lalas in 1994 or Landon Donovan afterward. Comparatively, it’s akin to the pressures felt by top players like Zidane, Ballack, and Neymar during their World Cups.

It’s worth noting that the nations they faced were indeed stronger, but expectations for the U.S. are now higher. A quarterfinal appearance is often seen as a realistic target, and Pulisic seems ready for that challenge.

“This kind of pressure? It’s exactly what I’ve always wanted,” said Pulisic, now 27.

“We have an impressive team, and I’m eager to contribute.”

The U.S. will need Pulisic to step up as a leader. His growth reflects a newfound maturity.

Since the quarterfinals in 2002, the U.S. has gone through a series of mixed World Cup outcomes: exits in the round of 16 in 2010, 2014, and 2022, a disappointing group stage in 2006, and failing to qualify at all in 2018.

Fox Sports’ Alexi Lalas recently urged the team to aim for more, citing the resources and opportunities available to this generation.

Pulisic missed the 2018 match-up against Russia and has endured the disappointment of an early exit eight years later. Yet he’s since adapted and grown into a more resilient player.

“I feel much calmer and more at ease than before,” Pulisic expressed.

He’s always been more reserved, not one to show much excitement—but he’s learning to handle the ups and downs of the game better.

Last summer, he stepped back from the Gold Cup to focus on mental and physical health, which didn’t go unnoticed, especially by his manager at the time. This year, he missed several games with AC Milan due to injuries and struggled to find the net.

Still, Pulisic marked the end of an 18-month goal drought for the national team on May 31, showing promise during the last friendly as Pochettino adjusted the team dynamic to relieve some pressure off him.

“We lean on him in crucial moments,” Adams noted. “That said, I hope he doesn’t feel like he has to do it all. Just being himself and improving with each match is vital. He’s such a talented player.”

Pulisic recognizes his growth and thinks a stronger U.S. men’s national team should alleviate some of the pressure.

“I don’t feel like I have to do everything alone,” he said. “I’ll give my best. Yeah, there are expectations, but having support from my teammates makes things easier.”

American fans have high hopes for both the team and for Pulisic specifically. It remains uncertain, however, if this seasoned midfielder can rise to the occasion.