ไทย
English
中國人
One major question hangs over the U.S. men's national team heading into the November international window: Will Christian Pulisic earn a spot in Mauricio Pochettino's squad?
The 28-year-old was a surprising exclusion last time out, left behind in Milan as Pochettino summoned young attackers Julian Hall, Cavan Sullivan and Justin Ellis for the September-October international break. Unlike previous windows, Pulisic was healthy and available to represent the Stars and Stripes; he simply wasn't selected.
It was the latest setback in Pulisic's rapidly fading standing with the USMNT. The former prodigy, once the face of the program, has gone without a competitive international goal for more than two years and endured a forgettable World Cup on home turf.
Coupled with his sluggish start at AC Milan this fall, it came as little surprise that Pulisic was left out of the Stars and Stripes' first camp of the season. Yet another chance to rebuild his national team reputation is approaching, provided Pochettino decides he's worth another look this November.
Pulisic Slowly Rediscovering His Form
Back in August, Pulisic was spending far more time on Ruben Amorim's bench than on the pitch at Milan. The forward was passed over for the Rossoneri's opening three fixtures of the campaign, given little opportunity to shake off the worst slump of his career heading into 2026.
Pulisic's involvement at club level gradually increased as the weeks went by; he made two appearances and contributed an assist by mid-September. However, his modest progress wasn't enough to change Pochettino's mind for the September-October international break.
As though sending a direct message to the Argentine coach, Pulisic finally ended his goal drought for Milan in his very next outing, netting in his first start of the season against Lecce.
A fresh energy emerged in Pulisic's play as he accumulated more minutes under Amorim. He looked sharper, more composed and hungrier, almost as if he was desperate to remind the world why he became the first American man to appear in a Champions League final back in 2021 — a match that ended in triumph for him and Chelsea.
Pulisic secured a regular place in Milan's starting lineup following the October international break and has found the net in each of his last two starts. The American broke the deadlock in the team's victory over Udinese before repeating the feat against Inter at the weekend in the high-stakes Derby della Madonnina.
Suddenly, Pulisic — who also recently signed a long-term extension with the Rossoneri through 2031 — has racked up four goal contributions in nine appearances under Amorim. The figures aren't extraordinary by any stretch, particularly compared to his blistering start at Milan last season, but they represent an encouraging sign after so many months of underwhelming displays at both club and international level.
New Competition Within the USMNT
At any other point in his career, Pulisic would be a near-certain call-up for the USMNT off the back of a strong run of form. But fresh faces are now competing for Pochettino's attention — and they have recency bias firmly in their favor.
Young talents Hall, Sullivan and Ellis all impressed for the Stars and Stripes during a flawless fall international break. The three forwards combined for six of the team's 12 goals across four friendlies, each demonstrating they can deliver at the national team level — something Pulisic hasn't managed since 2024.
The teenagers drew lavish praise from Pochettino, who described having so many exciting new players as a "fantastic problem to have." It's safe to say Pulisic was far from the Argentine's thoughts as he watched the next generation of American talent take the spotlight.
It's worth noting, however, that the USMNT was only playing friendlies during the September-October international window. It was an ideal opportunity to blood a crop of young stars, while established veterans like Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun stayed home.
Now, competitive fixtures are back on the schedule. The Stars and Stripes are set to face Haiti in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. Following a shocking fourth-place finish in the tournament last time out, Pochettino will want his strongest players and best XI available for the two-legged tie.
The Door Should Be Back Open for Pulisic
The criticism that has followed Pulisic over the past two years was justified. From skipping the Gold Cup and clashing with USMNT legends to vanishing almost entirely at the World Cup, "Captain America" looked painfully ordinary when the team needed him most.
But sidelining the USMNT's fifth all-time leading scorer in the prime of his career is hardly a recipe for sustained success. For the Stars and Stripes to reach their ceiling, they need Pulisic back in the picture, living up to the standards he set during his remarkable rise.
How significant a role Pulisic plays against Haiti is, naturally, Pochettino's call; the manager may feel his star needs to earn back his minutes after such a difficult stretch. Regardless, Pulisic should unquestionably be included in the USMNT's roster for the upcoming international window.
The objective over the next four years is to build a side finally capable of making a deep run on the global stage. And as thrilling as Hall, Sullivan and Ellis are, that objective likely cannot be achieved without Pulisic performing at his peak.
How to restore him to that level? That's a question only Pochettino can answer. It's his responsibility to extract the best from his key players, and getting the best from Pulisic will only make the USMNT a more formidable force.
That process will likely require more than just two Concacaf Nations League matches, but the sooner Pochettino gets started, the better.