USMNT star Christian Pulisic's performance in Italy possibly setting the tone for 2026 World Cup hopes | OneFootball

USMNT start Christian Pulisic excels as AC Milan defeat Napoli 2–1 at the San Siro. He set up the first goal in the 1st minute and scoring another before halftime to send Milan top of the Serie A table.

Since his arrival from Chelsea in July 2023, Pulisic has become one of the key players for the Rossoneri. His pace, direct running and chance creation has given Milan an attacking edge, so it’s safe to say that the club are already getting their money’s worth.

Pulisic has been Milan’s most productive attacker so far, scoring and assisting in big games. He’s settled into a system that plays to his strengths, receiving the ball in space, beating defenders and making things happen. He was the man of the match against Napoli for his all round influence, showing how important he’s become to Milan’s frontline.

And his AC Milan numbers prove it so far this 2025–2026 season. In only five games in Serie A, he scored four goals, assisted in two, bringing AC Milan to the top of table.

He’s been productive in front of the net, being on target six of his seven attempts, still keeping a strong 89 % rate of passes completed and averaging just under four key passes per game.

All in all, he’s been directly contributing to more than two goals per game, which shows just how important he is for AC Milan at this point.

Pulisic’s club success could shape the USMNT in 2026

For the USMNT, Pulisic’s great start in Italy is about more than just club success. With the 2026 World Cup on home soil in a few months, having one USA’s top stars in form is a massive bonus. A confident, in rhythm Pulisic is a game-changer in tight games is exactly what you need in knockout tournaments.

He’s not the only one on the move. Malik Tillman is finding his feet at Bayer Leverkusen, Joe Scally is a regular starter in the Bundesliga and Yunus Musah is a high-energy presence in midfield.

Tim Weah and Sergiño Dest still need more consistency at club level but both are key players for the national team. Together this group is a deeper, stronger USMNT heading into 2026.

For now though, Pulisic is leading the way. His resurgence at Milan might be a sign the USMNT could be peaking when it matters most.