Pulisic's goal drought extends to 20 games in USMNT's loss to Portugal

The U.S. striker failed to find the net again as the Americans fell 2-0 in a friendly match in Atlanta.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:14pm

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U.S. national team star Christian Pulisic extended his goalless streak to 20 combined games for club and country as the USMNT suffered a 2-0 defeat against Portugal in a friendly match in Atlanta. Pulisic recorded three shot attempts but was unable to end his scoring drought, which dates back to November 2024. Portugal won the match without stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva, with goals from Francisco Trincao and Joao Felix.

Why it matters

Pulisic's inability to find the back of the net has become a growing concern for the USMNT as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. The team's all-time leading scorer will need to rediscover his scoring touch if the Americans hope to make a deep run in the tournament on home soil.

The details

Pulisic recorded three shot attempts but was unable to end his 20-game goalless streak for the USMNT and his Italian club AC Milan. Portugal won the match 2-0 with goals from Francisco Trincao and Joao Felix, while the U.S. outshot their opponents 12-11 but managed just three shots on target.

  • Pulisic's last goal for the USMNT was in November 2024.
  • He has now gone 20 combined games without a goal for club and country.
  • The U.S. will face Senegal in another friendly on Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina.
  • The USMNT will play Germany in their final pre-World Cup friendly on June 6 in Chicago.
  • The U.S. will open the 2026 World Cup against Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood, California.

The players

Christian Pulisic

The USMNT's all-time leading scorer, who currently plays for Italian club AC Milan.

Mauricio Pochettino

The head coach of the U.S. men's national team.

Francisco Trincao

The Portuguese winger who scored the opening goal against the USMNT.

Joao Felix

The Portuguese forward who scored the second goal against the USMNT.

Bruno Fernandes

The Portuguese midfielder who assisted on both of Portugal's goals.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously we are disappointed with the results, but, to be honest, I'm taking a lot of positives from it. I think we are a lot closer than it may seem. ... I still feel positive and I have belief in this team.”

— Christian Pulisic

“Physically I feel really good, feel really sharp, and I'm doing a lot of good things. I have to help my team to create assists and score goals and create chances. Obviously, when I don't do that it's frustrating, but I feel like I'm close and I feel good things are coming.”

— Christian Pulisic

“Yes, he feels frustrated, but that is what we want, what we expect. He was fighting. He was committing in the phases that we demand more and then with the ball, he's going to score because he has quality. I am sure that he's going to come back to his club and the moment that he scores, he is going to score again.”

— Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT Head Coach

What’s next

The USMNT will take on Senegal in another friendly at 3:30 p.m. EDT Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina, before facing Germany in their final pre-World Cup match on June 6 in Chicago.

The takeaway

Pulisic's goal drought has become a major concern for the USMNT as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup on home soil. The team's all-time leading scorer will need to rediscover his scoring touch if the Americans hope to make a deep run in the tournament.