Christian Pulisic is set to spearhead the U.S. Men's National Team at this summer's FIFA World Cup, but 'Captain America' has endured a punishing scoring drought in 2026, raising significant concerns.
Pulisic is widely regarded as the face of the USMNT, yet he hasn't found the net for his country since November 2024. His contentious choice to sit out the 2025 Gold Cup has resulted in limited international appearances, while his club form has also come under the microscope.
Following a promising start to the 2025-26 season with AC Milan, Pulisic has hit a rough patch in recent months, failing to score since last December. Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri has stood by Pulisic throughout the barren spell, but USMNT legend Kasey Keller insists he must deliver when it matters most at the World Cup.
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Keller maintains that any USMNT success at the tournament hinges on Pulisic performing at his best. The attacker has now matched the longest goalless stretch of his professional career, with just four games remaining this season to rediscover his scoring touch and build momentum.
Speaking exclusively with Mirror U.S. Sports via OnlineCasino.ca, Keller was asked to assess Pulisic's role ahead of the World Cup this summer. "He's obviously a very good player," he said.
"We have a squad of good players. We have very few very good players, and we really don't have that world superstar, right?
"Someone like Christian is crucial. Him having a good World Cup is going to be crucial for the success.
"Maybe not getting out of the group success, but if we want to do something that everyone goes, 'Wow, I didn't expect that from the U.S. in this World Cup.' A very good turn up from Christian Pulisic is going to be necessary.
"Yeah, it is a little frustrating that, you know, at least, you know, from a fan perspective that he had such a great, you know, first half of the season at Milan. And then it just hasn't quite been the same, you know, in the second half, but, either way, he's extremely important.
"So for me, the most important thing is being fit. And then, yes, if he scores a couple goals, gets a little confidence in the run-in of the season, maybe in a friendly or two for the U.S., super bonus."
Pulisic has now featured in 16 matches for Milan without finding the net and has encountered mounting pressure in Italy to deliver results. Nevertheless, he has also contended with tactical adjustments under Allegri, with the highly regarded manager continuing to back him.
"Christian is a very sensitive man and this drought is hitting him harder," Allegri said after Milan drew 0-0 against Juventus. " He is also someone who struggles more with the physicality of duels and the lack of a center forward, but I must try to give a balance to this team, as we have an objective to achieve.
"I realize he is not entirely suited to this, I had asked him to play center right tonight and [Rafael] Leão center left, so we were without a center forward. Rest assured, by the end of the season Pulisic will have given his contribution."
