16JUL

Pulisic goal drought passes 100 days before World Cup

1 min read

10:33UTC

The USMNT captain has not scored in over 100 days, coming on as a substitute in Milan's defeat with the World Cup 62 days away.

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Key takeaway

Pulisic has not scored for 100 days with the World Cup 62 days away, a selection pressure for Pochettino.

Pulisic came on as a late substitute in AC Milan's 1-0 defeat to Napoli on 6 April, extending a goalless run that began during the USMNT's back-to-back defeats at the World Cup opening venue . His last goal was 28 December 2025 against Hellas Verona; the drought now exceeds 100 days.

With Pochettino's 26 May squad announcement 50 days away, the drought is a selection pressure as well as a form issue. He was used as a substitute rather than a starter against Napoli, suggesting AC Milan's coaching staff have reduced his role. Pochettino declared himself 'more positive' despite the venue defeats , but Pulisic's form remains the single most-watched individual indicator ahead of the squad announcement.

Deep Analysis

In plain English

The USA's best player hasn't scored a goal for more than 100 days. The World Cup starts in 62 days. He came on as a substitute in a 1-0 loss to Napoli, which suggests his club manager doesn't even see him as a guaranteed starter right now. Pochettino's squad announcement is 26 May.

Sources:World Soccer Talk

Mentions:Hellas Verona →Mauricio Pochettino →World Cup →USMNT →Christian Pulisic →AC Milan →Napoli →

First Reported In

Update #6 · FIFA's stealth price hike

World Soccer Talk· 10 Apr 2026

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Causes and effects

This Event

Pulisic goal drought passes 100 days before World Cup

Pulisic's form is a direct concern for Pochettino's squad selection and the USMNT's attacking viability at home.

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Pulisic's 100-day goal drought, documented when he came on as substitute vs Napoli, makes the 13 April assist against Torino — where he started — a form indicator but not a resolution.

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Pulisic's drought of 16 games advances the form thread tracked since the 100-day milestone in prior updates.

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Pulisic brace ends 134-day drought, ties Lautaro on seven

Pulisic's 134-day drought (passed 100 days on 6 April, ID:2178) was the selection pressure resolved by his 11 May brace against Cagliari.

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Different Perspectives

FIFA

FIFA had not opened disciplinary proceedings over the Malvinas banner as of 16 July, continuing a pattern set by its fast reversal of Folarin Balogun's ban while South Africa's appeal over Themba Zwane's ban remained outstanding. The nearest tariff, a CHF 30,000 fine from 2014, remains only a precedent, not a decision.

France

France's tournament ended at the semi-final stage for the first time since 2010, beaten 2-0 by Spain in Arlington, and Kylian Mbappe's Golden Boot chances are reduced to Saturday's third-place game alone. The 2022 runners-up now play for bronze rather than a second straight final.

Spain

Spain reached their first World Cup final since winning the trophy in 2010, beating France 2-0 through goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. Sixteen years after their only title, this squad returns to the same stage without the sovereignty politics attached to the other semi-final.

Downing Street (UK Government)

Downing Street said on the record that the Falkland Islanders 'are British with the right to determine their own future,' answering Argentina's vice-president and foreign minister. London rests its case on the islanders' 2013 referendum, not on the fixture, and lodged no formal protest despite the semi-final framing.

Argentina

Vice-President Victoria Villarruel called England 'the usurping pirates' before kickoff; midfielder Leandro Paredes said after the 2-1 win that the Falklands 'will always be Argentine'. Argentina's 1994 constitution commits every office-holder to press the Malvinas claim, so a World Cup semi-final was never going to pass without it.

Switzerland

Switzerland reached their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954 and led Argentina before Breel Embolo's second yellow card left them a man down for the last half-hour. They expect the run to raise expectations for the next cycle rather than close a chapter.