US men’s team thrive without Pulisic as reliance on one star fades
The US men’s team won all four matches in a post-World Cup international window without Christian Pulisic, raising questions about its long-standing reliance on a single star to lead its ambitions. A strong run by a refreshed squad suggests the team may be moving beyond that “saviour” expectation as it builds towards the next World Cup.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino called up 13 debutants, including eight teenagers, while retaining a solid group of experienced players. The United States beat Peru 4-1, Chile 4-2, Mexico 3-0 and Canada 1-0; Pulisic and Weston McKennie both missed the window while staying with their Italian clubs.
- The US won four matches without Pulisic.
- Pochettino gave 13 players their debuts.
- A younger squad may ease reliance on a single star.
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The United States men's football team has a history of depending heavily on one star player to drive World Cup ambitions. This reliance can be problematic if that player is unavailable, making the team's wider strength important for sustained success.
Christian Pulisic is the United States' leading player and has been central to recent campaigns. He recently remained with his Italian club rather than joining the national team, as did midfielder Weston McKennie. Despite their absence, the team won all four recent matches, beating Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada under manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Pochettino called up 13 debutants, including eight teenagers, whilst retaining experienced players. These strong results without Pulisic suggest the team may be moving away from its traditional dependence on a single star as it builds towards the next World Cup.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
These results demonstrate genuine squad depth and versatility without reliance on a single player. Four victories against established opponents, including rivals Mexico and Canada, suggest the team can generate attacking potency from multiple sources. Integrating 13 debutants while maintaining competitiveness indicates sustainable long-term development for World Cup qualifying and tournaments, rather than fragility when one player is unavailable.
The case against
Four friendly victories with extensive squad rotation do not prove the team's competence in high-pressure competitive matches without its best player. Pulisic's absence in a relaxed international window is a poor test of whether the US genuinely needs him for World Cup qualifying or tournament performance. Depth is important, but building the team around your most talented creative player remains standard practice and essential for serious tournament ambitions.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “With no Pulisic and good results, have the USMNT moved on from their savior complex? | Leander Schaerlaeckens”.