Christian Pulisic, “Captain America,” on staying cool under pressure: “it really doesn’t affect me”

Christian Pulisic has spent much of the last decade carrying the hopes of American soccer on his shoulders. His nickname of ‘Captain America’ doesn’t exactly allow for anything else. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup about to begin in his home nation – along with Mexico and Canada – the spotlight has only grown brighter.

Yet if the USMNT star is feeling the pressure, he is doing a good job of hiding it.

Speaking in an online interview with soccercooligans, Pulisic revealed that criticism and scrutiny barely register as he prepares for his second World Cup.

Pulisic shuts out the noise

“If I’m being honest, I shut out like 99% of any of that stuff that you guys probably hear so, like, it really doesn’t affect me all that much,” Pulisic said.

The AC Milan star admitted that nobody enjoys hearing negative comments about themselves, but he has learned to keep things in perspective.

“It’s not nice to hear bad things about yourself, or being scrutinised, but I’m just grateful I’m in this position, exactly where I want to be.”

Pulisic’s comments come as expectations continue to build around a United States team hoping to make a deep run in the first men’s World Cup hosted on American soil since 1994.

Home World Cup brings extra excitement

The 27-year-old experienced the World Cup stage in Qatar four years ago, scoring the winning goal against Iran and helping the United States reach the Round of 16.

That experience, he believes, has helped both him and his teammates heading into 2026.

Speaking to TNT Sports before the USMNT’s 3-2 victory over Senegal in Charlotte, Pulisic described playing a World Cup at home as “a dream come true.”

“I think the experience in Qatar helps me a lot, helps the team a lot,” he said. “There’s definitely a little bit of extra feel to it, just being in the U.S., having the people around and just being here in America.”

While fans, media and critics continue to debate every aspect of the USMNT’s chances, Pulisic appears focused on only one thing: improving.

“You can criticize me and scrutinise me all you want, but I love what I do and I’m going to just keep pushing to be better,” he said.

“And when it’s all said and done you can look back and see what I’ve done in my career and I hope I can leave with no regrets.”

Four years is a long way off and form, injuries and competition can all mean that Pulisic is not on the roster come 2030. This summer is where he can become a true national hero.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.