Christian Pulisic to Enter USMNT October Camp in Stellar Form
The USMNT faces Ecuador and Australia in October as preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues
Christian Pulisic will enter U.S. Men’s National Team October camp playing some of the best soccer of his career.
The veteran forward has had a blazing hot start for his career at AC Milan with six goals and two assists across all competitions in seven matches. His six goal contributions lead Serie A.
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino and his staff are pleased to see the United States star excel in the top club in Italy, which currently leads the Serie A table with a record of 4-1-0, 12 points.
“Christian is a great player," Pochettino said after the October roster announcement. "He's a player that has continuity, and I think we can say he is the most important player now for the National Team that is performing and playing under big pressure. He needs to perform every single week and every single game in a place like Milan, and he’s doing well.”
Pulisic and the Americans will face Ecuador in Austin, Texas on Oct. 10 and Australia in Commerce City, Colo. on Oct. 14. The opponents are two teams set to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup; Ecuador qualified for CONMEBOL in June, while Australia punched an AFC ticket just a day before the South American nation.
The USMNT will get a chance to continue the momentum from a productive September camp. When Pochettino’s squad last took the field, the USA beat Japan 2-0 — a win in which Pulisic had a heavy impact on. The winger assisted on the second goal to striker Folarin Balogun. Throughout the match, Pulisic created attacking opportunities much like he has for Milan.
Pulisic has scored in three straight matches for the Italian side, including a brace on Sept. 20 against Udinese, where he also recorded an assist. It’s no secret that the forward will be a key piece for the USMNT next summer. And that’s for good reason. On top of his offensive talent, he carries World Cup leadership. Pulisic made the 2022 World Cup roster in Qatar at 24 years old and started every match. He’s the most capped player on the current roster with 80 caps. Center back Tim Ream, 37, trails by three caps.
With official international windows left until the big tournament next year, the USMNT looks to build alongside its most important player.
“That is what we want,” Pochettino said of Pulisic’s form. “Now [we] help him arrive in the World Cup in the best place.”