Can USMNT Trust Pulisic? Answering USMNT Fan Questions & Italy Misses World Cup Again
The Cooligans break down growing concerns around Christian Pulisic’s form for both club and country and ask the big question: can the USMNT rely on him at the World Cup? The guys also team up with Meta to answer fan questions straight from Threads, diving into the biggest debates surrounding the U.S. squad. Plus, they react to the drama of World Cup qualifying playoffs—from Italy’s shocking failure to qualify again to feel-good stories from Iraq, Congo, and Sweden, and why the expanded tournament might actually be a win.
The Cooligans · Alexis Guerreros, Christian Polanco, Christine Cupo
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Show Notes
Christian Pulisic is supposed to be the guy for the USMNT—but right now, it’s not looking great. We break down his dip in form for both club and country and ask the uncomfortable question: can the U.S. really trust him to deliver on the biggest stage? Is this just a rough patch, or are we seeing the limits of what he can be as the face of American soccer?
We also partnered with Meta to tap directly into the fan conversation, answering your biggest USMNT questions straight from Threads. From lineup debates to World Cup expectations, we dig into what supporters are really thinking—and where the panic might (or might not) be justified.
Finally, we zoom out to the global game and react to the chaos of World Cup qualifying playoffs, presented by Smirnoff Ice. Italy misses out on another World Cup and the questions are only getting louder, while Iraq’s qualification gives us one of the best stories in football right now. Add in inspiring runs from Congo and Sweden, and a bigger conversation about the expanded World Cup format, and there’s plenty to get into.
Timestamps:
(8:30) – Can USMNT trust Christian Pulisic this World Cup?
(20:30) - Responding to your USMNT questions on Threads
(43:30) – Italy misses out on ANOTHER World Cup
(1:00:00) – Iraq ends 40-year World Cup drought
(1:02:00) - Expanded World Cup field was a good idea
(1:04:30) - Congo and Sweden’s World Cup qualifying run was awesome
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