Christian Pulisic poised to lift USA to new heights at 2026 World Cup

Olivier Giroud believes Christian Pulisic has the quality and maturity to lead the USA into the next phase of the 2026 World Cup.

Giroud reflects on retirement It feels unusual to watch this World Cup from a TV studio instead of being on the field. Until this summer, I had been part of every major finals with France since 2012—four European Championships and three World Cups. Now, I am taking on a new role as a pundit for the tournament. France remains my team, and I still support them fully, but 2024 was the right moment for me to retire from international football. Knowing when to step away is important, and for me, that time had come. At 37, the manager reduced my playing time at those Euros, and I could see the rising talent among the strikers coming through. ## Nostalgia and pride for France I would not be honest if I said I do not miss representing France, and this week I have felt a wave of nostalgia thinking about past tournaments. However, I do not have any regrets about not being involved this time. I attended their match against Northern Ireland on Monday at Lille, which is my club’s stadium, and I was filled with pride watching the team and the fans. The expectations of the supporters are something you cannot fully grasp when you are on the pitch focused on the game, but now that I am one of them, it is different. ## Dreams for France’s third World Cup What I want is for them to bring home the third star by winning a third World Cup. That is the dream for everyone involved. I have been fortunate to have played a part in France’s success, including helping them win the World Cup in 2018 and scoring a record 57 goals in 137 appearances for Les Bleus between 2011 and 2024. ## Pulisic’s readiness for USA’s challenge Among the players I know best and admire is Christian Pulisic of the USA, who was my teammate at Chelsea and AC Milan. I was not surprised by his strong performance against Paraguay because I believe he has what it takes to take the US team to the next level in the coming weeks. The calf issue that forced him off at halftime hopefully will not be serious. When he joined Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund in 2019 at a young age, he was already a key player for his national team, and the expectations placed on him were immense. ## The weight of being USA’s star At Milan, we used to call him ‘Captain America’ because even without the USA armband, he was their standout player with the highest profile. He carried a heavy responsibility as the main face of the team and also succeeded in Europe. The pressure to deliver for the USA and criticism when he does not are constant themes in his career. Mental strength is crucial for any player, and I think he has faced tough moments—injuries, team struggles—but these experiences have shaped him into who he is today. ## Why Pulisic’s rest was the right call Some questioned his decision to skip last summer’s Gold Cup, telling Mauricio Pochettino he needed rest, but I believed it was important to trust him because he understands his body better than anyone. He was clearly thinking ahead to this summer, and the most important thing was what would happen now. By missing that tournament, the expectations on him for this World Cup are even higher, but I believe he is mentally and physically prepared for the responsibility. At 27, he is still young but has grown more mature. ## Pulisic’s playing style and growth As a person, Christian may seem reserved at first, but he opens up once you get to know him well. He is a caring individual who looks out for others and has a great sense of humor. We connected instantly both on and off the pitch. At Chelsea, we had a fantastic understanding—my role as a target man benefited from his pace and movement between the lines. He would receive the ball, look for me with flick-ons, and his style reminded me of Eden Hazard, especially in how he took on opponents and danced past defenders. ## From pressure to confidence He possessed so much talent but needed the right environment—a supportive team atmosphere and appreciation to play freely. That was the difference between him and Eden Hazard, who played with carefree joy and rarely second-guessed himself. Christian often put too much pressure on himself, playing within his limits at times, but that changed when he joined me at Milan in 2023. I told the team he would be a real asset, and he elevated his game with the confidence he needed. ## Milan experience and USA’s cohesion His time in Italy helped him grow as he gained experience and maturity. Playing in the Premier League against tough defenders first was valuable, and Serie A taught him how to handle tactical focus on him as an attacker. When Milan lined us up together with Rafael Leao, we complemented each other well, and that is the kind of teamwork the United States will need too. Christian cannot carry the team alone, but with the right teammates, he can lead them forward thanks to his experience and quality. ## Key to USA’s World Cup hopes It was significant that he ended his scoring drought with a goal against Senegal in late May because it gave him confidence heading into the World Cup. No one expects the USA to win the tournament, but if they are to reach the knockout stage, he will be essential. I have always believed the USA are fortunate to have him because he combines skill with intelligence. Talent alone is not enough, and without focus like his, great achievements are out of reach. ## Giroud’s final thoughts on Pulisic I wish him nothing but the best as he takes on this challenge. Olivier Giroud shared these views with Chris Bevan in a recent conversation. Pulisic ended an eight-game scoring drought for the USA with a goal in a 3-1 friendly win over Senegal on 31 May, his first club or country goal since December 28, 2023.