Christian Pulisic ended a difficult spell in front of goal by scoring in the United States' 3-2 friendly win over Senegal, a key step in USA's World Cup build-up. The attacker struck after assisting Sergino Dest, easing pressure following a long scoreless run for AC Milan.
Pulisic had gone five months without a goal in any competition, failing to score in the final 19 matches of the season for AC Milan. Despite that, Pulisic believed performance levels stayed strong, and the latest display for USA supported that view as preparations intensified.
The playmaker first created Dest's early opener, then doubled the advantage in the 20th minute. Pulisic rounded goalkeeper Mory Diaw and finished calmly to give USA a 2-0 lead. That moment ended the five-month
drought and shifted focus away from missed chances.
Speaking after the match, Pulisic underlined that personal belief never dropped during that lean spell. "I felt this confidence. I've played really well in recent months too, but all people seem to care about is goals," Pulisic said, as reported by ESPN. "So hopefully now people can stop talking about it. "
Pulisic also stressed the wider picture for USA, with major fixtures close. "And I feel good and now obviously just a friendly. [We've] got big games ahead and I've got to be ready. " The forward knows form in June will influence selection and trust at the World Cup.
CHARLOTTE SHOWED OUT. pic.twitter.com/DyXiJXkPvWU.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 1, 2026
USA coach Mauricio Pochettino highlighted Pulisic's daily efforts as the squad increased training loads. "Every day, training with this attitude, with this commitment, with this energy, I think now we need to try to [extend] until 90 minutes," Pochettino said. Pochettino viewed the goal as important for confidence before the tournament.
Pochettino expanded on that, linking Pulisic's breakthrough to the wider camp. "Happy for him also because after a long time or few months [without a goal], let's score again, which is important for a player knowing the preparation to the World Cup. " The coach wants that mindset carried into the rest of USA's matches.
Christian Pulisic and USA friendly tests before World Cup
USA now look towards a final pre-World Cup test against Germany, followed by group fixtures with Paraguay, Australia and Turkiye in Group D. The 3-2 victory over Senegal featured a Sadio Mane double that cancelled USA's early lead before Folarin Balogun struck the decisive goal.
Pochettino was encouraged by both the contest and the chance to spread minutes. "I think it was, I think positive to finish after 90 minutes in a good form," Pochettino said, pleased many players featured. "I think with the possibility to [have] nearly the whole roster playing minutes. I think it's many positive things. "
The coach still recognised work ahead against strong opposition. "[There are] things that we need to improve, obvious things that we need to improve, but I think I'm happy to finish the first week of training and competing [against] a really good team like Senegal. " Pulisic's goal and display offered another reassuring sign for USA's campaign.
