The anticipation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be the largest in history with 48 teams competing across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is reaching a fever pitch. For the U.S. Men’s National Team, that pressure is keenly felt, and no player embodies that more than Christian Pulisic. The 25-year-classic, a veteran of the national team and a star for AC Milan, understands the weight of expectation as the tournament approaches, and he’s embracing it.
Pulisic’s journey to this point has been marked by success. He’s a Champions League winner with Chelsea and a key figure for one of the world’s most storied clubs in AC Milan. But the stakes perceive different now, with the World Cup being hosted on home soil. The U.S. Team is preparing for two crucial tune-up matches – starting with a Saturday showdown against Belgium – before head coach Gregg Berhalter finalizes his 26-player roster. The pressure to perform, to deliver for a nation eager to see its team succeed, is palpable.
“You can feel the intensity in the trainings,” Pulisic said Friday before a practice session at the Atlanta United facility. “All the guys are wanting to really stake their claim, and they want to be on that World Cup roster. There’s no doubt about it. Everyone wants to prove themselves.” This isn’t a novel feeling for Pulisic, who has been a mainstay in the USMNT for nearly a decade, but the context – a home World Cup – elevates it.
The Americans are coming off a strong finish to 2025, having gone unbeaten in five matches, including a convincing victory over Uruguay in November. As reported by USA Today, that November win capped a successful run of friendlies against teams also bound for the expanded 2026 tournament.
Testing Ground: Belgium and Portugal
Saturday’s match against Belgium, currently ranked sixth in the world by FIFA, and Tuesday’s contest against Portugal (ranked ninth), represent a significant step up in competition. These matches aren’t just about results; they’re about sending a message. Veteran left back Antonee “Jedi” Robinson articulated the team’s mindset: “Making sure we set in two performances against very quality opposition and kind of sending the message that You can compete at the top level and present teams who are coming to our home soil that we’re a team to be scared of.”
While the focus is on preparation, the looming roster deadline adds another layer of intensity. Berhalter is expected to announce his final 26-player squad after these two matches, meaning every player has an opportunity to impress. The team is also navigating a few injury concerns. Tyler Adams and Sergiño Dest are already sidelined, and center backs Chris Richards and Miles Robinson are likely to miss both games after picking up knocks in training, according to Berhalter. ESPN reports that these injuries will provide opportunities for other players to showcase their abilities.
Berhalter intends to utilize the matches as a chance to experiment with different lineups and tactical approaches. He and Belgium’s coach, Rudi Garcia, have agreed to allow up to 11 substitutions per team on Saturday, facilitating a broader evaluation of the squad. “We are going to utilize all the players in the two games,” Berhalter explained. “It’s a great opportunity [for] trying to do things, testing players, testing situations, but keeping the competition high and competing really well.”
Embracing the Home Advantage
Despite the challenges, there’s a palpable sense of excitement within the team. The opportunity to compete in a World Cup on home soil is a unique and motivating factor. Weston McKennie, a key midfielder, spoke to the team’s mindset: “Hosting the World Cup on home soil comes with its pressures, but we’re all competitors on the team. We all chose this lifestyle. We all chose to be professional soccer players, and being competitive — having pressure — is something that you live with day in and day out. So I don’t think we really feel [much] pressure. I think we kind of invite that. We kind of like it, and we’re just really excited.”
Pulisic echoed that sentiment. “I wouldn’t want to be in any other position,” he said. “I’m so lucky. I feel privileged to be in this position. There’s pressure. I feel it, yes, it’s there, but it’s nothing that I can’t handle. We’re going to attack it head on.” He acknowledged the growing excitement surrounding the tournament, adding, “You can definitely feel the energy in the team and feel that it’s getting a little bit more serious. The excitement for the tournament’s obviously starting to get real.”
Looking Ahead: The Road to June
While positive results in these March friendlies would undoubtedly boost morale, the ultimate test awaits in June when the U.S. Opens the World Cup against Paraguay on June 12th. The focus now is on building momentum, solidifying the squad, and preparing for the challenges ahead. The expanded 48-team format of the 2026 World Cup adds a new dimension to the competition, and the U.S. Will be looking to capitalize on its home advantage.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, culminating in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. As detailed by Fox Sports, all 104 tournament matches will be broadcast live on FOX and FS1, with streaming options available through the FOX One and FOX Sports apps.
The coming weeks will be critical for Gregg Berhalter and his team as they finalize their plans for the tournament. The matches against Belgium and Portugal will provide valuable insights and opportunities to refine their approach. The focus remains on harnessing the energy of a nation eager to witness a successful World Cup campaign on home soil.
If you or someone you understand is struggling with mental health, resources are available. You can contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or visit their website at https://www.nami.org/.
The announcement of the final 26-player roster is expected shortly after the match against Portugal, setting the stage for the final preparations ahead of the World Cup opener. Share your thoughts on the team’s prospects and the upcoming tournament in the comments below.
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