Christian Pulisic has been making headlines for some time now, given his form for club and country this season. However, since the release of his documentary Pulisic, the forward has become a hot topic of discussion for his comments about a perceived prejudice against American players in the top five leagues. A former USMNT player believes there’s more to the story behind the smoke and mirrors.

According to Pulisic, Americans aren’t getting more opportunities simply because the U.S. isn’t considered a major soccer nation. So, even if you’re good enough, you might still be overlooked because of the colors you represent. Former USMNT star Herculez Gomez argues that bias has always existed, regardless of the nation or sport.

“Certainly the American player isn’t the only one suffering a bias here, listen it happens to the rest of South America unless you’re Argentine, Brazilian, or Uruguayan,” says Gomez on ‘Shootin it Straight’ – VAMOS. The forward also drew comparison to how Clint Dempsey, Brian McBride, Brad Friedel, and Kasey Keller also faced bias during their careers playing abroad.

“It’s tough for them to see you actually working out and until you have a situation where your players are littered all over the top five leagues and actually participating in (it)” says Gomez. “Being massive difference makers, this will be the norm around the world, the bias against the American player will continue” 

Given that the Stars and Stripes have never won the World Cup and haven’t advanced past the Round of 16 in years, the MLS stars’ views seem reasonable. In recent years, there’s been a growing trend of American players moving to Europe to experience a higher level of club competition, but are they good enough?

‘I don’t feel that way anymore’ – Christian Pulisic clarifies bias comments

Christian Pulisic felt his words had been taken slightly out of context and clarified his comments during an appearance on Pat McAfee’s ESPN show. “I would say that I don’t feel that way anymore, I honestly think it’s come a long way for sure, I don’t look at myself as a victim,” says the skipper. 

Weston McKennie also spoke out, stating that he faces bias at Juventus as well. Despite their comments, both players have been shining for their respective Serie A clubs and will be key figures for Mauricio Pochettino in the upcoming tournaments. But for now, ‘Captain America’ is out of business, having recently picked up a calf injury. 

The 2026 World Cup, set to take place on home soil across North America, presents a perfect opportunity for the USMNT to write a new chapter in soccer history. Under new head coach Pochettino, who many consider the best they have had so far, the Stars and Stripes have a chance to prove themselves on the global stage, which perhaps could get rid of the stigma.