After skipping the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Christian Pulisic has drawn heavy criticism from followers and former gamers. Regardless of the backlash, he stays in high kind and is predicted to steer the nationwide group within the 2026 World Cup underneath Mauricio Pochettino. Nonetheless, a former USMNT participant added to the scrutiny by criticizing the 27-year-old star and highlighting a key function absent within the present roster for the upcoming main match.
“I don’t suppose that Christian Pulisic is the captain that this group wants or that this group needs… The notion that your finest participant will not be essentially outfitted to be a captain is nothing new. We’ve seen it over time and it’s utterly legitimate …That doesn’t imply he doesn’t have ardour… However I simply don’t suppose that this group has a captain that may qualify on the ‘Unhealthy Boys’ of the Detroit Pistons,” Former USMNT participant Alexi Lalas mentioned, by way of State of the Union podcast.
In 2025, Tim Ream has been essentially the most frequent captain for the USMNT, carrying the armband ten occasions. Nevertheless, at 38, his potential to start out within the 2026 World Cup is in query. Consequently, consideration turns to Tyler Adams, the captain throughout the 2022 match, although his latest accidents and kind points have hindered his consistency. This case has led Alexi Lalas to spotlight the absence of a vocal chief within the squad that Pulisic might not accomplish.
Whereas Alexi Lalas questions Christian Pulisic’s management qualities, AC Milan legend Marcel Desailly stands agency praising his expertise and management capacities. Notably, the 27-year-old winger has expertise with the captain’s armband for the USMNT, having made historical past on November 20, 2018, because the youngest captain at simply 20 years and 63 days. Given this, Pulisic could possibly be a chief candidate to steer the U.S. squad on the 2026 World Cup.
Christian Pulisic of the USA drives the ball throughout the Concacaf Nations League.
Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT faces rising doubts about its kind forward of the 2026 World Cup
Alexi Lalas highlights the dearth of a commanding vocal chief on the USMNT, whereas Mauricio Pochettino’s squad stays a puzzle. Regardless of securing wins in opposition to Japan and Australia in simply 4 matches for the reason that 2025 Gold Cup loss, they may not overcome the extra formidable challenges posed by South Korea and Ecuador. For that motive, the group’s inconsistent performances proceed to stir uncertainty somewhat than confidence.
see additionally
AC Milan reportedly make robust request on Christian Pulisic to USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino
With out going through formidable opponents in friendlies, doubts linger over the USMNT’s competitiveness. Whereas they showcase robust offensive capabilities, defensive weaknesses elevate vital issues. Nevertheless, coach Pochettino has revitalized the roster by integrating dynamic attacking skills, and as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup, testing themselves in opposition to some European nations might bolster their performances.
