Landon Donovan Claims USMNT Must Be 'Very Worried' About Christian Pulisic Before World Cup

Christian Pulisic is currently experiencing the longest goal-scoring drought of his career, having gone nearly 20 matches without a goal for AC Milan.

While he was the driving force for the club in the first half of the season, his form noticeably dropped following the winter break.

For the 2025-26 Serie A season, Pulisic tallied 8 goals and 4 assists. However, he suffered a prolonged scoreless streak in league play dating back to late December.

His slump in form has resulted in limited minutes and relegation to the bench in recent matches under former manager Massimiliano Allegri, alongside brief stints recovering from a lower back injury.

Now, with just weeks remaining before the World Cup, Pulisic's form has raised concerns among fans and critics of the USMNT.

Former USMNT star Landon Donovan also shared his views on the forward's recent performances.

Landon Donovan Very Worried for Christian Pulisic

Speaking during an episode of 'First Things First', Donovan reflected on Pulisic's difficult run and compared it to periods from his own career when goals were hard to come by.

Donovan said he was "very worried" about the situation but also pointed to the role of bad luck in Pulisic's recent performances.

"I've been through long stretches in my career where it just won't go in," he said.

"I watch a lot of his games where in the right spot, he makes the right play at the right moment, and then he just can't hit the goal for some reason or the goalie makes an amazing save," Donovan explained.

The former United States international said the team needs to help Pulisic rediscover his confidence before the upcoming international window.

"What needs to happen, guys, is between now and June 12, we need to find some way, and I don't know what the hell it is, but for the ball to hit him somehow and go in the net one time," he said.

Donovan believes a single goal could quickly change Pulisic's form, recalling a similar moment from his own playing days.

"And I promise you, if it goes in one time, it'll be done,".

"I played a game, I had been through like eight games in a row without scoring for the national team, and we played Cuba, and I think it was in Boston, in Foxborough," he recalled.

"Brian McBride, my former teammate, was in on goal. We were on a two on zero on the goalie, and he could have scored no problem, and he rolled it across to me, and I had a two yard tap in," he added.

"Then I ended up scoring four goals in that game. So, when one hits the net, it will be totally fine, but we need that to happen before June 12," Donovan said.

As of May 26, 2026, Pulisic has scored eight goals and registered four assists for AC Milan this season. However, he has not scored since December 28, 2025, with his goalless streak now stretching to 21 matches across all competitions.

Pulisic also featured for the United States men's national soccer team during the March 2026 international friendlies, including a start against Portugal national football team, as preparations continue for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 12:15 PM.