Christian Pulisic Gets Honest About USA's World Cup Chances
Christian Pulisic enters the 2026 World Cup as the face of the USMNT, the second World Cup of his career, following 2022.
There is added pressure on the 27-year-old star and the national squad to perform this summer since the tournament is on home soil.
The USMNT is not among the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup, but a big run is expected given the built-in home advantage.
In an interview published on May 15, Athlon Sports asked Pulisic about his expectations of the USMNT in the 2026 World Cup.
This comes following two friendly matches against Belgium and Portugal, and before the final tune-up matches against Senegal and Germany.
Pulisic: 'Anything Can Happen' for USMNT in World Cup
The USMNT and Pulisic are placed in Group D with Paraguay, Turkey, and Australia. When asked about Team USA's chances at the World Cup, Pulisic put first things first.
"I think the first step is having a good group stage, coming out strong, taking care of business, and getting ourselves through the knockout round," Pulisic told Athlon Sports. "It's just going to be playing as a team and trusting in the work that we've put in."
He added, "I think we have great players and good coaches that are going to help us get to that point. Once you get to the knockout rounds, I just feel anything can happen."
MORE: The Reality of Playing for Pochettino, According to Christian Pulisic
The AC Milan forward was aspirational when discussing a potential big run for the USA in June and July.
"I just feel you get one or two things to go your way, and you work extremely hard and trust in the way that we're playing, and trust the guys that we have, and I just feel anything can happen. And that's how deep runs can happen."
In recent history, the USMNT's best performance at a World Cup was in 2002, reaching the quarterfinals. In 2022, they were eliminated in the Round of 16.
The United States' 2026 run will begin on June 12 with its opening match at Los Angeles Stadium against Paraguay.
Related: Landon Donovan Q&A: U.S. Soccer Great Analyzes USMNT's Chances in 2026 World Cup
Related: Christian Pulisic Breaks Silence on Splitting Up With Alexa Melton
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This story was originally published May 15, 2026 at 6:28 AM.