Christian Pulisic Vows to Be More Clinical After USMNT's Loss to Belgium

The USMNT star is determined to end his goal drought ahead of the crucial match against Portugal.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:40pm

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U.S. men's national team (USMNT) forward Christian Pulisic admitted he 'has to' be more clinical in front of goal after the team's 5-2 defeat against Belgium. Pulisic, who hasn't scored in 14 straight games for club and country, vowed to end his scoring slump against Portugal on Tuesday. The USMNT collapsed defensively against Belgium, but Pulisic believes there are positives to take from the game as they prepare for their final match before the World Cup squad announcement.

Why it matters

Pulisic is the USMNT's talisman, and his form will be crucial as the team looks to build momentum ahead of the World Cup. The loss to Belgium was a stark reminder of how far the USMNT is from competing with the world's best, but Pulisic is determined to lead the team to a strong performance against Portugal.

The details

Despite the USMNT's recent success, the team collapsed defensively against Belgium, shipping five goals in a game marred by errors. Pulisic, who played in a more withdrawn role on the left wing, was held off the scoresheet and missed the target with each of his three shots. The 14-game goalless streak for Pulisic has been a concern, but he has vowed to be 'more clinical' against Portugal, telling manager Mauricio Pochettino earlier in the week that he 'needs to score'.

  • The USMNT lost 5-2 to Belgium on Saturday, March 25, 2026.
  • The USMNT will face Portugal on Tuesday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Christian Pulisic

The USMNT's talismanic forward who is determined to end his goal drought and lead the team to a strong performance against Portugal.

Mauricio Pochettino

The USMNT manager who is not concerned with Pulisic's recent lack of goals, instead focusing on the player's overall performance and commitment to the team.

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What they’re saying

“We played well for big stretches of the game, but then it's just fine margins. We have to be a bit more clinical.”

— Christian Pulisic, USMNT Forward

“For me, it's disappointing. I feel I can do better on one of the chances. It's been a tough patch, but I feel confident in the way I'm playing ... I feel good, and I'm creating chances. So I just have to stay positive and keep going, but I have to be more clinical in those moments.”

— Christian Pulisic, USMNT Forward

“Christian is playing. And of course, he's not scoring; but for me, it's not only [about scoring] goals. For me, I am happy with him in the way that he's performing, in the way that he's committed with the team, and in the time that he's playing.”

— Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT Manager

What’s next

The USMNT will face Portugal on Tuesday, March 28, 2026, in their final match before Pochettino announces the 26-man World Cup squad in mid-May.

The takeaway

Pulisic's goal drought and the USMNT's defensive struggles against Belgium have raised concerns, but the team has a chance to bounce back against Portugal and build momentum ahead of the World Cup. Pulisic's leadership and determination to be more clinical in front of goal will be crucial as the USMNT looks to prove it can compete with the world's best.