Christian Pulisic: ‘No reason’ the USA can’t win the World Cup

Christian Pulisic is considered one of the most exciting prospects in world football and has become a beacon of hope for the United States national team.

Despite his tender age, the 20-year-old Borussia Dortmund star is one of the most experienced players in the current national squad and he believes fans should be excited about the side’s future.

“Seeing a lot of the younger guys coming through the system, I don’t think there is any reason why we shouldn’t be a successful team in the coming years,” he told CNN Sport’s Alex Thomas.

The USA men’s team doesn’t have the best record when it comes to international competitions. The country failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia and its best finish came back in 1930 – when it reached the semifinals.

Pulisic is likely to start for the USA in their friendly against England.

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But there have been signs of a revival. They drew 1-1 with world champions France in June, a performance which hinted that the team’s potential could be fulfilled.

With this being the case, Pulisic sees “no reason” why the USA can’t win the World Cup in his lifetime.

“With the talent we have now, and if we continue to grow as a sport in the country, there is no reason that we can’t make a good run in a World Cup one day,” he said.

Rebuilding the USA

Pulisic is very much at the heart of the rebuilding process and feels a responsibility to lead from the front – although this isn’t something that necessarily comes naturally to him.

“I’m pretty quiet but my best quality is leading by example,” he said.

“It’s not like I have to tell people what to do all the time. It’s more leading by example and working hard every training and have those guys see how I train.”

Attitudes towards the sport are slowly changing in the US and ambitions of growing the game have been buoyed with the news that the USA will host the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.

Although Pulisic is “really excited” for a tournament on home soil, he insists his side is solely focused on qualifying for Qatar 2022.

Christian Pulisic made his Borussia Dortmund debut in 2016.

Making it in Germany

Pulisic’s journey to the top of the game has been a tough one. It’s also been an unusual one.

The attacking midfielder moved to Germany to join Borussia Dortmund’s youth academy in 2015 and, just a year later, made is first-team debut.

“I remember not speaking the language or understanding anyone. Every single day was a grind,” he said.

“I had to get stronger and stronger, quicker and quicker with all your movements. It’s a fast learning process if you want to be successful at the highest level.”

Much is now expected of the youngster but being the next-best-thing for both club and country is not something that weighs heavily on his shoulders.

“I just play because I enjoy the sport,” he said. “I set my own personal goals, I’m not playing to satisfy fans. I know what I want to accomplish, for myself and to help my team”

Pulisic (R) and Jadon Sancho (L) are considered among the world's best young talents.

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Dortmund are currently top of the Bundesliga and their impressive domestic form has continued into their Champions League campaign – they currently sit top of Group A.

With qualification out of the group stages looking likely, Pulisic has one eye on a cup run.

“Once we get to the knockout stages I think anything could happen. Our team believes we can make a run as long as we want to. There’s no reason why we can’t,” he said.

Despite his side’s purple patch, Pulisic has been frustrated for the last few weeks. He’s just returned from a problematic calf injury which forced him out of action last month.

In his absence, English starlet Jadon Sancho has excelled and the pair are now battling for a place in Dortmund’s starting line-up, but Pulisic insists there is no unhealthy rivalry between the two.

“It’s great having a guy like that, competing with him every day and also being friends off the field,” he said.

Borussia Dortmund —

Borussia's Dortmund's Westfalenstadion Stadium is known for its "Yellow Wall." The south stand is packed full of impassioned fans who together create one of the most spell-binding sights in football. Dressed in the team's yellow and black, supporters create an intimidating atmosphere for the opposition.

Liverpool —

There is something special about Anfield on a European night and the stadium's Spion Kop seems to drag the ball into the goal when Liverpool are attacking that end. Fans also sing the stirring "You'll Never Walk Alone" before every match to create a spine-tingling spectacle.

Galatasaray —

The Turk Telekom Stadium is home to Turkish giants Galatasaray. The fans here don't just wait for the big games to create an atmosphere. The stadium -- which is the second biggest in the country with a capacity of 52,223 -- is always awash with flags, scarves and flares.

Napoli —

The Stadio San Paolo has one of the most raucous atmospheres in Serie A. Large flags and constant singing are common place in Naples, making this iconic stadium rock during home matches.

Roma —

The Stadio Olimpico in Rome is a gladiatorial like venue. With a capacity of 72,698, the stadium is home to both Roma and Lazio. The fiery atmosphere is magnified by the traditional surroundings which helps produce a caldron of noise.

Sevilla —

With a capacity of 43,883, the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan cannot compare to the size of some stadiums in La Liga but its atmosphere can. The home fans are a big factor behind Sevilla's impressive home-record. The team went over a year without a loss at home in 2017.

Boca Juniors —

La Bombonera is the home to Argentine side Boca Juniors. The fans are at most vocal for the Buenos Aires derby against River Plate where both sets of supporters combine to make a carnival like atmosphere. It may only have capacity of 49,000, but the tight surroundings make for an electric wall of noise.

Red Star Belgrade —

The Rajko Mitic Stadium in Serbia can be one of the most intimidating places to play football. Fans create huge banners in support of the team and frequently use pyrotechnics to intimidate the opposition.

Football stadiums with a reputation for atmosphere

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Rooney inspiration

The two wingers could face each other at Wembley on Thursday in what will be Pulisic’s first game for the national team since missing the last six fixtures.

It promises to be a special night in London as England host USA in a farewell match to legendary striker Wayne Rooney.

Former England captain Rooney, now playing for D.C. United in the MLS, was a source of inspiration for a young Pulisic and he’s looking forward to meeting his role model.

“His passion for the game spoke for itself. You can even see it now in the MLS, I love that about him,” he said.

“He was fighting, he would go up and win a header despite not being a big guy. I loved watching that when I was younger.”