USMNT shows signs of shedding its ‘savior’ myth without Pulisic

The United States men’s national team has posted a string of solid performances in recent fixtures despite the absence of Christian Pulisic, prompting questions about whether the side has finally moved past its long‑standing “savior” complex.

According to The Guardian, the USMNT’s current form reflects a collective effort rather than the output of a single marquee player. Coaches have experimented with younger talent and reshuffled the midfield, producing balanced displays that have earned positive results in both friendlies and qualifiers.

The conversation harks back to 1990, when manager Bob Gansler famously left three of the squad’s veterans at home and fielded a largely untested side at the World Cup in Italy. Gansler later reflected that the decision was about shaping the decade ahead, not just the tournament itself.

If the recent run continues, it could mark a new era for the United States – one where depth and teamwork replace the expectation that a single player must carry the nation’s hopes. Readers can find match highlights on this site.