Sport: Soccer Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

USMNT shows depth and cohesion without Pulisic in recent matches

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 8, 2026, 3:45 PM

Last updated Oct 8, 2026

USMNT shows depth and cohesion without Pulisic in recent matches

Summary

The United States men's national team has performed well recently despite the absence of star player Christian Pulisic. In a notable trend, the team's success in the current international window suggests a possible shift away from reliance on a single standout athlete. Historical context points to a pivotal moment in 1990 when then-coach Bob Gansler opted for a less experienced team at the World Cup in Italy. As the USMNT continues to develop its roster depth, the implications for their future competitive strategies are becoming clearer.

Source Links

The Guardian Sport

By the Numbers

•USMNT has achieved good results without Christian Pulisic.
•Current international window highlights team's collective strength.
•Historical parallels drawn to the 1990 World Cup decisions.
•Future tournaments may see continued emphasis on team depth.

Latest Updates

3:45 PMThe Guardian Sport — With no Pulisic and good results, have the USMNT moved on from their savior complex? | Leander Schaerlaeckens

What they're saying

"
The US have been defined for so long by the next singular player. This past perfect window shows that era may be over Sign up for our free newsletter here In 1990, then-United States men’s national team manager Bob Gansler made a critical and somewhat controversial choice. He left three of the program’s laureled veterans at home and brought a young and little-tested team to the World Cup in Italy, the USA’s first in 40 years. As Gansler recalled later: “I was thinking not only for ’90, but I was thinking about the 90s.” Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Leander Schaerlaeckens

Related Teams & Leagues

Soccer