Christian Pulisic was once hailed as the ‘LeBron James of soccer’ in a viral Pawn Stars clip.

The 26-year-old AC Milan winger is the focal point of Mauricio Pochettino‘s 2026 World Cup dream.

Pochettino needs Pulisic to be at his very best

Despite a disappointing exit in the Copa America group stage, USA bosses are targeting the quarter-finals in two years.

If they are to reach that goal, they will need their stars to perform.

Pulisic is unplayable at his best – just the kind of player Pochettino will need to inspire his team having faced him when manager of Tottenham in the Premier League.

Three-time Premier League champion Joao Cancelo has enjoyed a stellar career.

The decorated defender came up against Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo during his time with Manchester City.

But in 2021, he named the former Chelsea forward as his hardest rival to defend.

“I usually chat with my teammates about it,” he told Star Sports Football.

“It may sound strange but for me, the most difficult winger I have faced in the Premier League is Pulisic from Chelsea.

“He is a very skilful and fast player with the ball with quick dribbles.

“So for me, he is the most difficult winger I have played.”

Cancelo says Pulisic was a nightmare to face

Pochettino is preparing for the second game of his reign

Pochettino was full of praise for Pulisic before his first match as USA head coach.

“I think he’s a fantastic player, one of the best offensive players in the world,” he said.

“I told him before to build a very good relationship with the club and try to help. And when we really need him, he needs to be in form, happy, strong and the quality is there because he has an enormous talent.”

Pulisic lived up to his manager’s expectations by assisting Yunus Munsah’s opener as the USA beat Panama 2-0 on Saturday.

It was his first goal in 42 caps and Pulisic, who has scored five times in seven Serie A matches this season, joked that his skills were rubbing off on his Milan teammate.

“I told him it was goal-scoring instincts. He’s been watching me,” he said.

“He’s been learning a thing or two. But honestly, that moment, it’s great to see that.”

Up next is a friendly against Mexico on Tuesday before the players return to their clubs.

LeBron helped inspire the USA to Olympic gold in Paris this year, Pulisic will hope to live up to the comparisons when the world’s best head to the States in 2026.