As Christian Pulisic side-stepped Senegals goalkeeper and watched his shot hit the back of the net, the U.S. mens national team (USMNT) star sprinted to the corner flag, got on his knees, balled his fists and let out a roaring scream as the stadium went into a frenzy above him.
Pulisic, who has been referred to as “Captain America” for the USMNT, had just put his squad up 2-0 in friendly against Senegal in Charlottes Bank of America Stadium. It marked his first goal of 2026, including his time with AC Milan, and his first for the U.S. since 2024 against Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal.
With the scream, fans believed Pulisic was physically letting that weight go from his shoulders before the World Cup. But it was something more for the USMNT veteran.
“Honestly, yeah, scoring after a while. But also, just being in the U.S. and knowing that we have this moment in front of us, its such a crazy opportunity. It seems surreal,” Pulisic told Fox News Digital, while highlighting his partnership with Hersheys, an American staple that he grew up around in Hershey, .
“Just scoring there, having my brothers around me. Its such an exciting moment. Honestly, this means so much for me, so that was just all the emotions being let out for sure.”
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It might have only been a friendly match, but Pulisic felt the buzz around the crowd from the U.S. faithful, and when he found Sergiño Dest just over six minutes into the match for the first goal, it was an incredible start for the USMNT in his eyes.
“Just the fans in Charlotte, and it feels like theres that extra bit of support. It just drives us so much, it helps so much when were playing. It really pushes you through. Yeah, to have it here and have these fans supporting us, we just feel so lucky.”
It goes without saying the shoulders of players in the World Cup, but for the 26-man squad playing on home soil, the stakes are that much higher. Pulisic has known for the last three years following the USMNT loss to the Netherlands in the Round of 16 where his next chance at the World Cup would be.
So, while the intensity and pressure is at a high, Pulisic wouldnt have it any other way.
“Everyone has pressure. Its in the World Cup. It is what it is,” he explained. “Absolutely am grateful to have this opportunity and be in this moment. I wouldnt trade it for the world. We want to have that, we want to feel that. Again, we dont have to do it alone. We have a pretty good team we get to go to battle with and were going to do the best we can and come out with good results.”
Pulisic pointed out how the teams trainings have been great, noting the teams chemistry given their time together throughout the years. And while winning a friendly match is always a great start for a team heading into the World Cup, Pulisic and his team know this is all preparation for when it matters on June 12 against Paraguay.
“For it to come together on the field is awesome, but also we have the biggest moments ahead of us. Were all in preparation and we want to get it done when it really matters,” he said.
FULL CIRCLE IS SWEET
Pulisic may be the pride of U.S. mens , but he was first the pride of Hershey, Pennsylvania. Thats why his partnership with the towns iconic chocolate maker puts a large smile on his face.
To celebrate its hometown hero, Hersheys is launching limited-edition PULISICS Milk Chocolate Bars, which feature custom wrappers with his printed signature on them.
“Its the coolest. I dont know what else to say. Just being a kid from Hershey, Pennsylvania. Growing up there, living chocolate, breathing chocolate, smelling the chocolate from my house. Its incredible,” he said. “Just so many memories. Now, to see my name on a chocolate bar and just be working with Hersheys during this moment its honestly a dream come true.”
Pulisic said he remembers being in his backyard dreaming about scorin
