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When Christian Pulisic sidestepped Senegal’s goalkeeper and saw his shot hit the back of the net, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) star sprinted to the corner flag, went to his knees, pumped his fists and let out a roaring scream as the stadium went berserk over 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 Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium. It marked 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 quarterfinals.
With the scream, fans believed that Pulisic physically let the 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 against Senegal at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 31, 2026. (Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images)
“Honestly, yeah, score after a while. But also, just 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 Pakinomist Digital while highlighting his partnership with Hershey’s, an American staple he grew 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 those emotions that definitely came out.”
USMNT STAR CHRISTIAN PULISIC FINALLY ENDS LONG LONG GOAL DRUG WITH WIN OVER SENEGAL
It might only have been a friendly, but Pulisic felt the buzz around the crowd from the American faithful, and when he found Sergiño Dest for the first goal six minutes into the game, it was an incredible start for the USMNT in his eyes.
“Just the fans in Charlotte and it feels like there’s that extra bit of support. It just drives us so much, it helps so much when we play. It really pushes you through. Yeah, to have this and have these fans supporting us, we just feel so lucky.”
It goes without saying how much pressure is on the shoulders of players in the World Cup, but for the 26-man squad playing at home, the stakes are so much higher. For the past three years, after the USMNT loss to the Netherlands in the Round of 16, Pulisic has known where his next chance at the World Cup 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, NC 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 be in this moment. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. We want that, we want to feel that. Again, we don’t have to do it alone. We’ve got a pretty good team that we’re going to go to battle with and we’re going to do the best we can and come out with good results.”
Pulisic pointed out how the team’s practices have been great, noting the team’s chemistry given their time together over the years. And while winning a friendly is always a good start for a team heading into the World Cup, Pulisic and his team know it’s all preparation when it matters on June 12 against Paraguay.
“To come together on the pitch is great, but we also have the biggest moments ahead of us. We are all in preparation and we want to get it done when it really matters,” he said.
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 partnership with the city’s iconic chocolate maker puts a big smile on his face.
To celebrate its hometown hero, Hershey’s is launching limited edition PULISIC’S milk chocolate bars that feature custom wrappers with his signature printed on them.
“It’s the coolest thing. I don’t know what else to say. Just being a kid from Hershey, Pennsylvania. Growing up there, living chocolate, breathing chocolate, smelling the chocolate from my house. It’s unbelievable,” he said. “Just so many memories. Now, to see my name on a chocolate bar and just working with Hershey’s at this moment, it’s honestly a dream come true.”
United States 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 Photos)
Pulisic said he remembers being in his backyard and dreaming of scoring the goal to win the World Cup while smelling the chocolate being made across the city.
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“Yeah, I mean, there are definitely times when you do. I remember smelling it more when it was raining. It’s just weird, and there are things in the city where you’re used to it,” 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, Penn. at 9 will receive a free bar. Also in Times Square, the first 3,000 guests will 10.00 get one.
