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Should the USMNT be concerned about Pulisic's goal drought?
Christian Pulisic's 14-match goal drought raises alarm bells ahead of the World Cup.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:35am
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Christian Pulisic's goal drought for the U.S. men's national team has reached 14 matches, the longest drought of his career. Despite creating chances and seeing more of the ball, Pulisic was unable to find the back of the net in the USMNT's recent losses to Belgium and Portugal. With the World Cup on the horizon, the team and Pulisic's club AC Milan will be hoping he can rediscover his scoring touch soon.
Why it matters
Pulisic is a key player for the USMNT and his goal-scoring ability is crucial to the team's success. His current drought raises concerns about his form and confidence heading into the World Cup, where the U.S. will need him to be at his best to have a chance of advancing from a tough group.
The details
In the 2-0 loss to Portugal, Pulisic started as a center-forward and received more passes than any other U.S. attacker in the first half. However, he won only one of his seven ground duels and was held scoreless once again. Increasingly frustrated, Pulisic committed a couple of fouls and received a yellow card before being substituted at halftime. The U.S. created more chances than Portugal in the first half, but the visitors' superior depth and quality showed in the second half as they scored twice to seal the victory.
- Pulisic's goal drought for the USMNT has now reached 14 matches, the longest of his career.
- The next opportunity for Pulisic to end his drought will come at least 18 months after his last U.S. goal.
The players
Christian Pulisic
A 27-year-old forward who plays for AC Milan and is a key player for the U.S. men's national team.
Mauricio Pochettino
The head coach of the U.S. men's national team.
Roberto Martinez
The head coach of the Portugal national team, who said that results in March before the World Cup are "worthless".
Weston McKennie
A midfielder for the U.S. men's national team who scored a goal against Belgium but had a turnover that led to Portugal's first goal.
Tim Weah
A forward for the U.S. men's national team who was the team's most dangerous attacker against Portugal.
What they’re saying
“We were able to create chances, which if I finish chances, which I know I'm going to, then things are going to be a bit different.”
— Christian Pulisic
“Maybe we help a little bit to [get him] a little bit more closer to the goal.”
— Mauricio Pochettino, Head Coach, U.S. Men's National Team
“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
What’s next
Pulisic will now return to AC Milan as they attempt to push up from second place in Serie A. Both the USMNT and AC Milan will be counting on Pulisic to rediscover his goal-scoring form ahead of the World Cup.
The takeaway
Pulisic's prolonged goal drought is a major concern for the USMNT as they prepare for the World Cup. The team and Pulisic's club will be hoping he can regain his confidence and scoring touch in the coming months to be at his best for the tournament.
