What to Make of Pulisic’s Poor Play Ahead of the World Cup

Things have not been going well for US Men’s National Team star Christian Pulisic.

The young star is already becoming one of the country’s most decorated soccer players and has taken over as the USMNT's leader. However, it appears the pressure may be taking a toll on Pulisic, who has recently tied the longest scoreless streak of his career (16 games). Comments from AC Milan labeled him as “sensitive,” and they have made it clear that they are not committed to bringing him back next season.

With just under two months before the 2026 World Cup kicks off, many USMNT fans are worried that those struggling may cut the team’s run short this summer.

Pulisic’s body language adds to concerns

With a player of Pulisic’s talent, there is plenty of reason to believe this slump has to end soon. However, after watching the midfielder sulk around the pitch, more doubts began to rise.

One of the most defining characteristics of a superstar is their ability to handle the mental side of the game. It’s easy to do when you’re playing well, but it gets far harder when extended scoring droughts pop up. That’s especially true when playing for a powerhouse like AC Milan, which is a club covered by the media around the world.

Pulisic is currently looking at the world like a lost man. He seems defeated, as if he is starting to believe the streak will never end. That’s led to critical comments not just from AC Milan but also from the USMNT.

Sportsbooks cooling on USMNT’s World Cup hopes

Pulisic’s struggles have not escaped the attention of the sports betting industry. 

Sports betting apps worldwide have dropped the US’s odds of finding success this summer. They are now well outside the top 12 favorites to win the tournament and have seen their odds of winning Group D drop as well. That can change drastically before next month’s kickoff, but Pulisic is running out of chances to prove he’s back to form on the pitch. 

If the USMNT captain and top star can’t figure things out on the pitch before the tournament begins, expect bettors to start backing Paraguay and/or Turkey to advance from a competitive Group D.

Defining moment coming for Pulisic

As impressive as Pulisic’s career has already been, the 2026 World Cup could end up defining his career.

The good news for Pulisic is that most Americans aren’t following his pro career in Serie A. That means he’ll face far less criticism and scrutiny when he returns stateside, at least until the international media arrives.

The bad news is that the lack of attention will also lead many fans in the US to associate his name with his national team performances. Considering the country will have the advantage of playing at home, a failure will resonate far more with casual fans and leave his name forever linked to it. As much as Pulisic will deny thinking about that, his recent body language on and off the pitch indicates the opposite.