Pulisic says US team strongest yet ahead of 2026 World Cup

LOS ANGELES, April 21 : Christian Pulisic believes the current United States team is the strongest he has been part of, with the AC Milan forward saying the squad's quality and depth should give Americans plenty of reason for optimism ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

Pulisic, long the face of U.S. soccer, said the team was in a good place as attention begins to build around a tournament that will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"I think you could say so," Pulisic told Reuters when asked if this was the best U.S. team he has been a part of. 

"Looking at the guys playing at the highest levels and doing extremely well at their clubs, and I think for sure you have a really, really strong squad and depth as well," he said.

"Multiple guys that can play in every position. It's a very strong team."

Pulisic and coach Mauricio Pochettino will lead a squad that is expected to include fellow forwards Folarin Balogun and Tim Weah, midfielders Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, defenders Tim Ream and Chris Richards, and goalkeepers Matt Freese and Matt Turner.

For Pulisic, who spoke to Reuters while partnering with deodorant company Degree, the chance to play a World Cup in the United States adds another layer of motivation to the sport's biggest event.

"A World Cup is enough motivation in itself and having it in the U.S., having my family and close friends there, there's just nothing more you can ask for," he said. 

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

The 27-year-old said he hopes American fans can give the team a major lift when the tournament begins. The U.S. face Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.  

"I know the energy in the stadiums is going to be great," he said. "We want to take as much of that as we can,