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As Christian Pulisic rounded the Senegalese goalkeeper and watched his shot hit the back of the net, the United States men’s national team (USMNT) star sprinted to the corner flag, dropped to his knees, clenched his fists and let out a roaring scream as the stadium grew frenzied above him.
Pulisic, nicknamed “Captain America” for the USMNT, had just given his team a 2-0 lead in the World Cup friendly against Senegal at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. It was his first goal of 2026, including his time with AC Milan, and his first for the United States since 2024 against Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal.
With this shout, fans thought Pulisic was physically letting this weight off his shoulders before the World Cup. But it was something more for the USMNT veteran.
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Christian Pulisic celebrates after scoring the second goal for the United States during an international friendly match against Senegal at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 31, 2026. (Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images)
“Honestly, yes, scoring after a while. But also, being in the United States and knowing that we have this moment in front of us, it’s such a crazy opportunity. It seems surreal,” Pulisic told PK Press Club Digital, while noting his partnership with Hershey’s, an American staple he grew up growing up around in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
“Just scoring there, having my brothers around me. It’s such an exciting moment. Honestly, it means so much to me, so it was just all the emotions coming out, for sure.”
USMNT STAR CHRISTIAN PULISIC FINALLY ENDS LONG GOAL DROUGH IN VICTORY AGAINST SENEGAL
It may have only been a friendly, but Pulisic felt the buzz around the crowd from the American faithful, and when he found Sergiño Dest just over six minutes into the match for the opening goal, it was an incredible start for the USMNT in his eyes.
“Just the Charlotte fans, and it feels like there’s a little extra support. It motivates us so much, it helps so much when we’re playing. It really pushes you to push through. Yeah, having him here and having these fans supporting us, we feel so lucky.”
It goes without saying how much pressure is on players’ shoulders at the World Cup, but for the 26-man home team, the stakes are even higher. Pulisic has known for three years, after the USMNT lost to the Netherlands in the round of 16, where his next chance at the World Cup would be.
So even though the intensity and pressure are high, Pulisic wouldn’t have it any other way.
American Christian Pulisic reacts during the international friendly match against Senegal at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 31, 2026. (Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images)
“Everyone has pressure. It’s the World Cup. That’s how it is,” he explained. “I’m absolutely grateful to have this opportunity and to be in this moment. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. We want to have that, we want to feel that. Again, we don’t have to do it alone. We have a pretty good team that we can compete with and we’re going to do our best and get good results.”
Pulisic highlighted how great the team’s practices have been, emphasizing the team’s chemistry considering the time they’ve spent together over the years. And while winning a friendly is always a good start for a team heading to the World Cup, Pulisic and his team know it’s all just preparation for the big moment on June 12 against Paraguay.
“It’s great to be together on the pitch, but we also have the biggest moments ahead of us. We are all in preparation and we want to achieve it when it really counts,” he said.
THE FULL CIRCLE IS SOFT
Pulisic may be the pride of American men’s soccer, but he was first the pride of Hershey, Pennsylvania. This is why his partnership with the city’s emblematic chocolatier gives him a big smile.
To celebrate his hometown hero, Hershey’s is launching limited-edition PULISIC’S milk chocolate bars, featuring custom packaging with his printed signature.
“It’s the coolest. I don’t know what else to say. I’m just a kid from Hershey, Pennsylvania. Growing up there, living chocolate, breathing chocolate, smelling chocolate from my house. It’s amazing,” he said. “So many memories. Now, seeing my name on a chocolate bar and working with Hershey’s at that time, it’s honestly a dream come true.”
United States of America forward Christian Pulisic (10) reacts against Panama during the second half of a CONCACAF Nations League semifinal match at SOFI Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)
Pulisic said he remembers being in his backyard dreaming of scoring the goal to win the World Cup, while at the same time smelling the smell of chocolate being made across the city.
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“Yeah, I mean, there are absolutely times when you do. I remember feeling it more when it was raining. It’s just weird and there are things in the city that you’re used to,” he said, smiling.
The chocolate bars will be available while supplies last on June 6, as the first 5,000 guests attend Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania. to 9 a.m. you will receive a free bar. Additionally, in Times Square, the first 3,000 guests at 10 a.m. will receive one.
