MARIETTA, Ga. — U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino is exploring various tactical modifications to help star forward Christian Pulisic regain his scoring touch ahead of the national team’s upcoming match against Portugal at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Tuesday. This comes on the heels of a disappointing 5-2 defeat to Belgium, where Pulisic struggled to convert his opportunities.
In that match, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun created notable chances in the first half, thwarted by impressive saves from Belgium’s goalkeeper Senne Ramens. Pulisic, known for his dynamic play, created additional scoring opportunities during fast breaks but failed to register a shot on target in the 14th and 52nd minutes.
Pochettino Addresses Tactical Issues
Pochettino acknowledged the attacking potential displayed during the match but expressed frustration over the lack of finishing precision. He emphasized that the team also needs to address defensive weaknesses, which were evident throughout their latest game. “If you look at the stats of the game, we had clear chances to score,” he explained, pointing out that scoring opportunities went unfocused. He noted that the team’s reaction to McKennie’s goal, which initially put the U.S. ahead in the 39th minute, was subdued, indicating underlying issues with the team’s mentality.
Pulisic’s performance has been concerning, as he concluded the match with three attempts yet none found the back of the net. This marked an extended scoreless streak for him in international play, with his last goal occurring against Jamaica in November 2024. So far in 2026, he remains without a goal for both club and country.
The former Chelsea winger began the current club season brightly, netting six goals and providing two assists across his first seven matches. However, injuries—including a hamstring strain and a knee issue—have hindered his contributions since then, leading to a difficult stretch in which he has attempted 29 shots without success in his last 12 games for AC Milan.
Pochettino emphasized the importance of maintaining intensity even during international friendlies, hinting at potential adjustments that might benefit Pulisic. “We know Christian can score,” he stated, suggesting that either strategic changes in the lineup or positional adjustments might be necessary to optimize Pulisic’s scoring opportunities.
Despite the missed opportunities, the shortcomings in defense and a notable drop in intensity were pivotal to the U.S. team’s loss against Belgium. Pochettino reflected, “We performed well against Belgium until we conceded the third goal.” He highlighted a specific moment where a missed chance from Pulisic contributed to a series of events that ultimately led to a penalty kick against the U.S., exacerbating their challenges.
Belgium surged ahead in the second half, first through a goal from Amadou Onana, followed by a successful penalty from Charles de Ketelaère. The situation quickly deteriorated, with Dodi Lukebakio scoring twice, finalizing a disheartening 5-2 loss for the Americans.
Pochettino has repeatedly called for improved intensity levels, citing examples such as France’s recent match against Colombia, which demonstrated the kind of competitive spirit he seeks from his players. He remarked, “France played like it was a World Cup final,” contrasting that attitude with his team’s approach during their defeat.
Ultimately, Pochettino believes that the recent loss can serve as a valuable learning experience for his squad. “I’m glad this happened,” he said, underscoring the need for his players to understand that every match should demand their full commitment and competitive drive.
