Mauricio Pochettino earns Christian Pulisic a USMNT first as more history is made by AC Milan forward

The 26-year-old earned cap number 74 for his country when filling the role of ‘Captain America’ again in a 2-0 friendly win over Panama. Pulisic made his senior international debut for the United States back in March 2016.

He has been a regular ever since, as pressure and expectation is lumped onto his shoulders. Pulisic has learned how to roll with the punches and turn a deaf ear to any detractors, with the USMNT often finding themselves in a position where new eras are being opened.

That is the case again at present, with managerial reins being handed to former Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss Pochettino. The Argentine has become the eighth coach – including interims – that Pulisic has worked with in the USMNT camp. No other American player has played under more.

That may not be a record that Pulisic is particularly proud of, as he would prefer to have stability and continuity with the United States, but it does highlight how important he is as a succession of managers have called upon his services.

The USMNT will be back in action on Tuesday when facing old adversaries Mexico. From there, Pulisic and Co will return to their respective clubs. The Milan playmaker has been in fine form this season, with his goal tally in Italy already taken to six in the 2024-25 campaign as more personal bests and firsts are posted there.