Christian Pulisic

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Christian Pulisic Returns from Injury, Eyes Strong Form Ahead of 2026 World Cup

USMNT star Christian Pulisic has recently made his return to action for AC Milan after recovering from a hamstring injury, signaling his intent to regain peak form as the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil approaches.

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Pulisic sustained a low-grade hamstring injury in October 2025 while on international duty with the USMNT during a friendly against Australia. Consequently, he was intentionally omitted from the USMNT squad for the November 2025 friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay to allow him to fully recover with AC Milan. He made his anticipated return to the pitch on November 8, 2025, playing the final 20 minutes in AC Milan's 2-2 draw against Parma. During his brief appearance, Pulisic nearly scored a winning goal, demonstrating his immediate impact.

Current Form:

Prior to his injury, Pulisic was enjoying a stellar run of form for AC Milan in the 2025-2026 season. He had established himself as the team's most productive attacker, contributing significantly with four goals and two assists in just five Serie A appearances. This impressive output translated to a direct involvement in more than two goals per game. His exceptional performances in September earned him the Serie A Player of the Month award. Throughout his career, Pulisic has played 434 matches, scoring 107 goals and providing 70 assists. He is highly regarded for his dribbling, directness, and playmaking abilities.

2026 World Cup Outlook:

As the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, Christian Pulisic is widely expected to be a central figure and key leader for the USMNT. The tournament will be a momentous occasion for the USMNT, as they automatically qualify as co-hosts. Pulisic has openly expressed his strong desire and eagerness to lead the national team in what he considers a dream opportunity to play a World Cup in his home country.

While his talent is widely praised, there have been some discussions regarding his leadership qualities among former USMNT players. However, Pulisic's strong club form and his commitment to the national team's success are seen as crucial for the squad. The USMNT's recent performances in friendlies have been inconsistent, leading to some doubts, but Pulisic's resurgence at Milan is viewed as a significant positive sign for the team's prospects. The 2026 World Cup will feature an expanded format with 48 teams and a total of 104 matches.