Christian Pulisic: Why He's No Longer USMNT or AC Milan Focal Point 2026

Christian Pulisic is no longer the focal point for the US men's national team or AC Milan, and that's perfectly okay. For years, Pulisic shouldered the burden of being the face of American soccer while also carrying the creative load for his club. But as the 2025-26 season unfolds, a new reality has set in: Pulisic is no longer the main man, and both he and his teams might be better for it.

Usually, the second weekend of October sees Christian Pulisic flanked by compatriots as the Star-Spangled Banner plays. Last year, he was involved in US friendlies against Ecuador and Australia. But this year, with FIFA having folded the October window into September, Pulisic didn't have the chance. On Sunday, his prescribed pre-match music was O Generosa, the Serie A anthem, which he observed with a soft smile. Mark Twain's first visit to Italy left him describing the country as "a vast museum of magnificence and misery," and it's a fitting summary of Pulisic's three-plus years with Milan. The magnificence: 43 goals and 28 assists in 138 appearances. The misery: just one trophy since he arrived in July 2023, a 2025 Supercoppa Italia held in Saudi Arabia.

For years, Pulisic's club career was a source of chronic frustration in between the reprieve of international duty. Now, after Mauricio Pochettino opened the team's next era by selecting 13 top prospects (but not Pulisic, recently recovered from injury), his international standing is in a shakier state than ever, more than a decade after he debuted. In a continuation of a frustratingly familiar theme, Pulisic's fourth season with Milan hasn't started smoothly. The lower-leg microfracture he suffered against Belgium at the World Cup this summer has kept him off Ruben Amorim's teamsheet, only making his first league start in mid-October.

Christian Pulisic's Changing Role at AC Milan

When Pulisic arrived at AC Milan in 2023, he was expected to be the spark that would fire the Rossoneri back to Serie A glory. And for stretches, he was exactly that. But under new manager Ruben Amorim, the tactical setup has shifted. Amorim favors a high-intensity 3-4-3 system that demands relentless pressing and quick transitions, often leaving little room for a traditional winger like Pulisic. Instead, Pulisic has been deployed as a second striker or an attacking midfielder, roles that require different movement and link-up play.

Injuries haven't helped. The microfracture suffered in the summer kept him out of the preseason and the first month of the campaign. Upon his return, he's had to fight for minutes behind the likes of Rafael Leão, Noah Okafor, and new signing Samuel Chukwueze. The numbers tell the story: Pulisic's minutes per goal or assist have increased, and his touches in the final third have decreased. He's no longer the automatic starter he once was.

The USMNT's New Era Under Mauricio Pochettino

For the US men's national team, the shift is even more pronounced. Mauricio Pochettino, hired in 2024, has made it clear that he's building for the 2026 World Cup on home soil. That means giving opportunities to young talents like Diego Luna, Cade Cowell, and Benjamin Cremaschi. Pulisic, at 27, is still in his prime, but he's no longer the undisputed centerpiece. Pochettino's decision to leave Pulisic out of the September squad—citing his lack of match fitness—was a signal that the team is moving in a new direction.

This isn't necessarily a slight against Pulisic. Rather, it's a recognition that the USMNT has developed enough depth to not rely solely on one player. The emergence of players like Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, and Gio Reyna means the creative burden can be shared. Pulisic can now focus on being a difference-maker in specific moments rather than carrying the team for 90 minutes.

Why This Shift Is Okay

For Pulisic, the reduced spotlight could be a blessing. The pressure of being the savior for both club and country has taken a toll, both mentally and physically. Injuries have plagued him throughout his career, often exacerbated by overuse. By taking on a less demanding role, he can manage his body better and potentially extend his career at the highest level.

Moreover, Pulisic has always been at his best when playing with freedom and less expectation. At Chelsea, his most productive spells came when he was part of a rotating attack rather than the sole focus. The same could be true now. With defenses no longer keying on him exclusively, he may find more space and opportunities to exploit. The background to this story is set out in Venezia's Houdini Act Leaves Allegri Seeking Napoli Escape.

Statistical Comparison: Pulisic's Role Evolution

*As of October 2025

Key Takeaways

• Christian Pulisic is no longer the automatic starter for AC Milan or the USMNT.
• Injuries and tactical changes have reduced his role, but he remains a valuable contributor.
• The USMNT's depth allows Pochettino to build a more balanced team without over-relying on Pulisic.
• Pulisic's reduced workload could help him stay healthy and prolong his career.

FAQ

Ultimately, Christian Pulisic's evolution from focal point to valued contributor is a natural progression in a career that has already seen its share of highs and lows. For both the USMNT and AC Milan, it signals growth and depth. For Pulisic, it offers a chance to redefine success on his own terms.