Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WILL CHRISTIAN PULISIC PLAY IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
Christian Pulisic, the so-called "Captain America" of American soccer, has been the face of the US soccer project for years. He debuted with Borussia Dortmund at just 17 years old, and since then he has only climbed the ladder: Chelsea, the Champions League, and now AC Milan. After leading the national team at Qatar 2022, many are wondering if he will be at 100% for the 2026 World Cup, which will be played on home soil. In this article, we review his current form, interesting facts, key statistics, and how solid his path to the World Cup is.
Pulisic's Present with the USA
Pulisic remains the undisputed leader of the United States national team. Since his debut in 2016, he has started in almost every major tournament, and his influence goes beyond goals or assists: he is the team's emotional engine. At Qatar 2022, he was the best player for the Americans, and although they fell to the Netherlands in the round of 16, his assist to Weston McKennie and his goal against Iran remain etched in the collective memory.
At 27 years old, he reaches 2026 at the peak of his footballing maturity. He plays in a competitive league, has ample experience in high-level tournaments, and has remained a key figure in the Gregg Berhalter era, who continues to lead the national team with an eye toward the World Cup. Furthermore, playing at home (the U.S., Mexico, and Canada will be co-hosts), Pulisic is almost guaranteed his place as the natural leader of the U.S. team. A project that revolves around him. The USMNT (U.S. Men’s National Team) has been built largely around Pulisic. His media and commercial impact is enormous, and although there are already new talents like Gio Reyna, Folarin Balogun, and Yunus Musah, they all revolve around his experience. He is one of the few American players with a Champions League title on his resume, which gives him a special aura in the locker room. He debuted for the national team at 17. Captain and top scorer at Qatar 2022. Established as a leader in the locker room. In peak physical and footballing form.
Statistics at Club and National Team
Christian Pulisic has had a remarkable career in Europe. After shining at Borussia Dortmund at just 18 years old, he was bought by Chelsea in 2019 for €64 million, a record fee for an American player. There, he won the Champions League in 2021, becoming the first player from his country to play in a final and provide an assist at that stage.
In 2023, he moved to AC Milan, where he has rediscovered his best form. Under Stefano Pioli, he plays as a left winger, with the freedom to break lines and enter the penalty area. In his first season in Italy, he has already surpassed 10 goals and several assists, proving key in both Serie A and the Europa League.
Numbers that back up his legacy
With the US national team, Pulisic has over 65 appearances and 25 goals, with decisive contributions in tournaments such as the Nations League, the Gold Cup, and the World Cup. He is one of the team's top active goalscorers, and also one of those who wins the most offensive duels per game.
Over 65 appearances for the US national team.
25 international goals.
Champions League winner with Chelsea in 2021.
Over 200 appearances in Europe (Dortmund, Chelsea, Milan).
Averages 2.1 successful dribbles per game.
What he needs to get to the World Cup
Although the United States is automatically qualified as hosts, Pulisic must stay in shape to be called up in 2026. Competition for spots is increasingly fierce, but his advantage is clear: leadership, experience, and consistent performance in Europe. If he avoids injuries and maintains his level at Milan or another top club, his place on the roster seems assured.
Keys to establishing himself
Continuity will be vital. At Chelsea, injuries hampered him at key moments, but at Milan he has shown greater consistency. His ability to reinvent himself tactically will also be key. Although his natural position is left winger, he can play as an attacking midfielder or even on the right, giving the coaching staff more options for the World Cup. On the other hand, his maturity off the field also works in his favor. He's an ambassador for American soccer, handles media pressure like few others, and that makes him an indispensable figure, not only on the field, but also as the face of a World Cup that will be played at home.
Maintain competitive rhythm at Milan or another elite club.
Avoid injuries that would sideline him from the process.
Tactically adapt to new roles on the field.
Continue to be a voice of leadership for the national team.
Take advantage of playing at home to maximize his motivation.
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