Christian Pulisic's scoreless streak for US extends to 8 games as World Cup nears

The star forward remains confident he'll find his scoring touch in time for the World Cup.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:22am

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As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Christian Pulisic's scoreless streak for the United States national team has reached a career-high 8 games. Despite the drought, the 27-year-old forward remains positive, saying he knows he'll 'get to the other side' and start scoring again. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino has moved Pulisic from the wing to striker in an effort to get him more chances at goal, but the star player has been unable to find the back of the net in recent matches against Portugal and Belgium.

Why it matters

Pulisic is the top American player, with 32 goals in 84 international appearances over the past decade. His scoring touch will be crucial for the U.S. as they prepare to co-host the upcoming World Cup, where they'll face tough competition from European opponents that have dominated them in recent matches.

The details

Pulisic's scoreless streak dates back to a CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Jamaica on Nov. 18, 2024. He's also been held scoreless in 12 games with his club team, AC Milan, since Dec. 28. In the recent friendly against Portugal, Pulisic had 28 touches, up from 24 in the first half of the loss to Belgium, and came close to scoring on an open volley and a shot from outside the box, but was unable to find the back of the net.

  • Pulisic's scoreless streak for the U.S. has reached 8 games.
  • Pulisic last scored an international goal in a CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Jamaica on Nov. 18, 2024.
  • Pulisic has been scoreless in 12 games with AC Milan since Dec. 28.

The players

Christian Pulisic

A 27-year-old forward who is the top American player, with 32 goals in 84 international appearances over the past decade.

Mauricio Pochettino

The current head coach of the U.S. national team, who has moved Pulisic from a wing to striker in an effort to get him more chances at goal.

Tim Weah

A U.S. national team player who provided a cross that Pulisic was unable to convert in the recent match against Portugal.

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What they’re saying

“It's frustrating, but I'm just going to stay positive. A lot of big things ahead, and I know I'm going to get to the other side.”

— Christian Pulisic

“He was very active and I think he made a good job. Unlucky or ashamed a little bit that he didn't score with the opportunity that he (had). It's normal.”

— Mauricio Pochettino, U.S. national team head coach

“Yes, he feels frustrated, but that is what we want, what we expect. He was fighting. He's going to score because he has the quality. I am sure that he's going to come back to his club. … He's going to start to score again.”

— Mauricio Pochettino, U.S. national team head coach

What’s next

Pochettino will announce his World Cup roster on May 26, and the U.S. will play its final warmup matches against Senegal on June 1 and Germany on June 6 before opening the World Cup on June 12 against Australia.

The takeaway

Pulisic's scoring drought is a concern for the U.S. as they prepare to co-host the World Cup, but the team and the player remain confident that he will rediscover his scoring touch in time for the tournament. The U.S. will need Pulisic's goal-scoring ability if they hope to make a deep run in the World Cup.