Why Christian Pulisic Missing Out on USMNT World Cup Captaincy Wouldn’t Be a Big Deal as Mauricio Pochettino Wants ‘11 Leaders’

Christian Pulisic and the USMNT Captaincy Question – Why Missing Out Wouldn’t Be a Big Deal Under Mauricio Pochettino’s Philosophy of ‘11 Leaders’

For years, Christian Pulisic has carried the moniker “Captain America.” The tag fits: he is the face of American soccer, the most recognized USMNT player abroad, and a consistent talisman in big moments. Yet, as the United States gears up for a historic home World Cup in 2026, there’s a very real chance he won’t be the official captain of his national team.

Would that matter? Former USMNT goalkeeper Brad Friedel doesn’t think so. In fact, in his view, under Mauricio Pochettino, the man in charge, it might not matter who wears the armband at all.

What Happened?

Pulisic is now 26, entering what should be his prime years as a footballer. At club level, he has reinvented himself at AC Milan, thriving in Serie A after an inconsistent spell at Chelsea. On the international stage, he’s been the poster boy of U.S. soccer for nearly a decade, racking up over 80 caps and more than 30 goals.

But despite that résumé, captaincy hasn’t always been nailed to his name. Yes, he’s worn the armband before—at the 2024 Copa America, for example—but it has never been permanent, and at times it has been passed to others.

Now, with the World Cup less than a year away, the debate over who should lead the U.S. has resurfaced. Some argue it should still be Pulisic. Others point to emerging voices in the squad.

Christian Pulisic USMNT 2024

The Bigger Picture: More Than Just an Armband

For many fans, the captaincy feels symbolic—a badge of leadership, authority, and representation. But in reality, especially under coaches like Mauricio Pochettino, it is more complicated.

Pochettino has always emphasized collective responsibility. At Spurs, at PSG, and even back in his Southampton days, he pushed the idea that leadership isn’t about one man, but about the whole group.

That’s why Friedel, who knows Pochettino well, isn’t losing sleep over the Pulisic captaincy debate. “Mauricio will want 11 leaders on the field,” Friedel told GOAL. “Who gets the armband is secondary. What matters is the mentality.”

It’s an important distinction. Fans often obsess over who walks out of the tunnel first, but inside the dressing room, leadership comes in many forms—through vocal presence, work rate, tactical discipline, or simply by setting standards.

Did You Know?

• Pulisic is already among the top 10 all-time USMNT scorers, with 32 international goals.

• He’s played in three Gold Cups, two World Cup cycles, and a Copa America by the age of 26.

• He is the first U.S. player ever to score in a Champions League semi-final (for Chelsea in 2021).

• Despite his “Captain America” nickname, he has captained the national team in fewer than 20 matches.

What Friedel Really Said

Christian Pulisic USMNT 2025

Friedel, who earned 82 caps as U.S. goalkeeper and now works as a pundit, gave a candid explanation when asked about Pulisic’s captaincy prospects:

“I don’t think I would look into it too much if Christian isn’t named captain,” he said. “Naming a captain is different because there are a lot of off-field scenarios that go on with that. Christian is a player I don’t know well personally—I understand he’s quiet—so I don’t know if that will happen. But what I saw from his body language against Japan was really positive.”

It’s a fair point. Leadership isn’t always about shouting instructions or rallying speeches. Pulisic, by his nature, is reserved. But he inspires through his football: his willingness to take risks, his ability to carry the ball, his knack for delivering in big moments.

The Gold Cup Controversy and Pulisic’s Response

Some critics pointed to Pulisic skipping the 2025 Gold Cup as a sign that he shouldn’t be captain. But according to Friedel, and indeed Pochettino’s staff, that absence hasn’t harmed his standing.

Instead, what matters more is how he performs when present. Against Japan in a recent friendly, Pulisic was electric—sharp, dangerous, and impactful. If anything, it showed that external noise hasn’t distracted him.

And really, isn’t that the essence of leadership? To rise above criticism, to deliver when it counts, and to inspire teammates by example?

Mauricio Pochettino’s Vision: 11 Leaders, Not One

This is where Pochettino’s philosophy comes into sharper focus. He has never been a coach obsessed with the captaincy debate. At PSG, with stars like Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé, he rotated leadership responsibilities. At Tottenham, even when Hugo Lloris wore the armband, Pochettino expected leaders from Harry Kane, Jan Vertonghen, and Mousa Dembélé.

So why would it be different with the USMNT?

The Argentine coach will almost certainly appoint a captain—it’s required—but he’ll judge success on whether the team has multiple voices and personalities stepping up. Pulisic may or may not wear the armband, but he will still be central to Pochettino’s plan.

The Case for and Against Pulisic as Captain

The case for him:

• He is the most recognizable and marketable U.S. player.

• He has international experience few others in the squad can match.

• His performances, when fit, are consistently decisive.

The case against him:

• He is quiet and reserved, not a natural vocal leader.

• Others, like Tyler Adams or Weston McKennie, might fit the “locker room general” mold better.

• Captaincy sometimes adds pressure, and Pulisic already shoulders enough expectations as the team’s talisman.

What’s Next for Christian Pulisic?

Captain or not, Pulisic will remain the heartbeat of the USMNT attack. He’s expected to lead the line alongside emerging stars like Ricardo Pepi and Gio Reyna. Fitness permitting, he will be the one fans look to for a game-changing moment.

The World Cup on home soil is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for him to etch his name into American sporting folklore. Whether he does it with or without the armband won’t change his influence.

Conclusion: Why Christian Pulisic Missing Out on USMNT World Cup Captaincy Wouldn’t Be a Big Deal Under Mauricio Pochettino’s ‘11 Leaders’ Approach

The debate around Christian Pulisic and the USMNT captaincy will continue until the armband is officially handed out. But maybe, just maybe, we’re overthinking it.

As Brad Friedel suggested, Pochettino will want more than one leader. He’ll want 11. In that sense, the armband is symbolic, not defining.

Whether Pulisic leads from the front, the middle, or simply by doing what he always does—running at defenders, scoring goals, and lifting his teammates—his influence will be undeniable. And when the World Cup kicks off in 2026, U.S. fans will care far more about results than who shakes hands with the referee before kickoff.