U.S. Men's National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino said he believes Christian Pulisic will end his goal drought during the 2026 World Cup.
The confidence from the head coach comes at a critical time for the U.S. as the host nation. Pulisic is the team's primary attacking threat, and his ability to find the net will be central to the squad's success in the tournament.
Speaking during a press briefing in the United States on Thursday, Pochettino said he dismissed concerns regarding Pulisic's recent lack of scoring. The coach highlighted the forward's quality and his role within the national team structure.
“He’s a special player and I’m confident he’ll end his goal drought at the World Cup,” Pochettino said [2]. He said, “We are seeing the real American player right now” [1].
Statistical data reveals a significant slump for the forward. Pulisic has not scored a goal for the USMNT since 2024 [3]. Additionally, he has recorded zero goals for AC Milan in the 2026 calendar year [3].
Despite these numbers, the player remains optimistic about his current form. Pulisic said, “I’m not concerned about it” [3].
Pochettino's public support is intended to reassure both the fans and the locker room. By framing the drought as a temporary phase, the coach aims to maintain the forward's confidence heading into the global competition. The USMNT is facing immense pressure to perform well on home soil, making the form of its star players a focal point for national media.
““He’s a special player and I’m confident he’ll end his goal drought at the World Cup””
The public alignment between Pochettino and Pulisic suggests the coaching staff is prioritizing psychological confidence over recent statistical output. By shielding the player from criticism regarding his lack of goals in 2026, Pochettino is attempting to prevent a slump from becoming a mental block before the tournament begins.
