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As Christian Pulisic dodged Senegal’s goalkeeper and watched his shot hit the back of the net, the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) star ran to the corner flag, dropped to his knees, clenched his fists and let out a roaring scream as the stadium went into a frenzy above him.
Pulisic, who has been referred to as “Captain America” for the USMNT, had just put his team up 2-0 in the World Cup friendly against Senegal at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. He scored his first goal in 2026, including his time at AC Milan, and his first for the United States since 2024 against Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals.
With the shout, fans believed that Pulisic was physically freeing himself of that weight from 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 United States’ second goal 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, yeah, scoring after a while. But also, just being in America and knowing that we have this moment in front of us, it’s such a crazy opportunity. It seems surreal,” Pulisic told Pak Gazette Digital, while highlighting his association with Hershey’s, an American staple where he grew up in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
“Just scoring there, having my brothers around me. It’s a very emotional moment. Honestly, this means a lot to me, so those were all the emotions they definitely let out.”
USMNT STAR CHRISTIAN PULISIC FINALLY ENDS LONG GOAL DROUGHT IN WIN OVER SENEGAL
It may have only been a friendly match, but Pulisic felt the enthusiasm of the American faithful in the crowd, and when he found Sergiño Dest just over six minutes into the game for the first goal, it was an incredible start for the USMNT in his eyes.
“Just the fans in Charlotte, and it feels like there’s a little more support. It just motivates us a lot, it helps a lot when we play. It really pushes you through. Yeah, having it here and having these fans supporting us, we feel very lucky.”
It goes without saying how much pressure is on the players’ shoulders at the World Cup, but for the 26-player team playing at home, the stakes are much higher. Pulisic has known for the past three years, following the USMNT’s loss to the Netherlands in the round of 16, where his next World Cup opportunity would be.
So while the intensity and pressure are high, Pulisic wouldn’t have it any other way.
Christian Pulisic of the United States 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 in the World Cup. It is what it is,” he explained. “I’m absolutely grateful to have this opportunity and to be in this moment. I wouldn’t change it for the world. 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 go into battle with and we’re going to do the best we can and get good results.”
Pulisic highlighted how fantastic the team’s training sessions have been and highlighted the team’s chemistry given the time they have spent together over the years. And while winning a friendly match is always a great start for a team heading to the World Cup, Pulisic and his team know that this is all preparation for when it matters on June 12 against Paraguay.
“Having all this happen on the field is incredible, but we also have the most important moments ahead of us. We are all in preparation and we want to do it when it really matters,” he said.
THE FULL CIRCLE IS SWEET
Pulisic may be the pride of American men’s soccer, but he was first the pride of Hershey, Pennsylvania. That’s why his association with the city’s iconic chocolate maker makes him smile.
To celebrate its hometown hero, Hershey’s is releasing limited-edition PULISIC’S milk chocolate bars, featuring custom wrappers printed with his signature.
“It’s the best. I don’t know what else to say. Just being a kid from Hershey, Pennsylvania. Growing up there, experiencing 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 during this time is 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. (Images by Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn)
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 chocolate being made in the city.
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“Yeah, I mean, there are times you do. I remember smelling it more when it rained. It’s just strange 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, to the first 5,000 guests at Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania. at 9 am they will receive an open bar. Additionally, in Times Square, the first 3,000 guests at 10 a.m. will receive one.
