Christian Pulisic’s prolonged scoring drought for AC Milan, combined with comments from manager Massimiliano Allegri regarding his emotional state, are creating concerns as the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) prepares for the 2026 World Cup.

Approaching 2026 World Cup & Pulisic's Struggles

The 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is quickly approaching. The recent struggles of Christian Pulisic are causing worry for the USMNT. Pulisic, considered one of the most gifted American soccer players, has gone 18 matches without scoring for AC Milan.

Allegri's Assessment & Criticism

The situation is complicated by recent remarks from AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri. He described Pulisic as “very sensitive,” suggesting his scoring difficulties are linked to his emotional response to them.

Lalas' Response

Soccer analyst and former USMNT player Alexi Lalas criticized Allegri’s comments, arguing that such public pronouncements are damaging to a player of Pulisic’s caliber. Speaking on his ‘State of the Union’ podcast, Lalas expressed concern over the characterization, stating that being labeled ‘sensitive’ by a coach is rarely positive.

Lalas acknowledged Pulisic’s potential to become a historically great American player but suggested he hasn’t consistently reached that level. He speculated that external factors and emotions may be impacting Pulisic’s performance.

Tactical Considerations & Resilience

Allegri further explained that Pulisic “suffers more” during scoring droughts and struggles when the team lacks a traditional center forward. This suggests Pulisic’s effectiveness is tied to the team’s tactical setup and his ability to handle adversity.

The concern centers on Pulisic’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure, especially with the World Cup looming.

Pulisic's USMNT Record & Past Performance

Pulisic currently ranks fifth in all-time goals scored for the USMNT, with 32 goals in 82 appearances. He was also the youngest American player to reach double-digit international goals, achieving this in 2019.

However, his recent form mirrors his club struggles, with a seven-match scoreless streak for the national team. Despite this, he has proven capable of performing on a big stage, notably scoring the decisive goal against Iran in the 2022 World Cup.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The 2026 World Cup, hosted on American soil, offers Pulisic a chance to solidify his legacy. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with live coverage on FOX and FS1, and streaming available on FOX Sports apps.

The final match will be held at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Pulisic’s ability to overcome his current challenges and perform at his best will be vital to the USMNT’s success.