Pulisic vs Gimenez: USMNT, Mexico Stars Ready for World Cup Clash

Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez: USMNT and Mexico Rivals Set for World Cup Drama

Christian Pulisic, the dynamic USMNT star, and his AC Milan teammate Santiago Gimenez are set to put their close club bond to the test as the 2026 World Cup approaches. Friendly banter and NFL Sundays will be put aside if the United States and Mexico meet on the biggest stage in world football.

Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez: From AC Milan Friends to World Cup Rivals

Christian Pulisic’s move to AC Milan in 2023 brought a fresh attacking edge to the Serie A giants. The American winger quickly became a standout performer, regularly outscoring teammates and making a mark in Italy. In February 2025, Mexico international Santiago Gimenez joined Milan from Feyenoord, forming a strong friendship with Pulisic off the pitch. The pair, both passionate NFL fans, often gather for barbecues and football games, but their friendship has a competitive edge.

Gimenez, currently recovering from an ankle injury, jests about their international rivalry: “If we play a game [for our countries], we are enemies, we are rivals. But in the dressing room, he’s one of my best friends… if he puts on the shirt of the USA, he’s a rival.”

World Cup 2026: USMNT and Mexico Aim High on Home Turf

With the 2026 World Cup being co-hosted by the United States and Mexico, the anticipation is high. Both Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez expect their national teams to shine on home soil. Gimenez believes the USMNT have the talent to reach the quarter-finals: “I think [the U.S.] have a really strong national team. I think they can make maybe quarter-finals.” He adds that facing the USA would be a dream scenario, fueling the heated but respectful rivalry between the nations.

Group Stage Challenges for Christian Pulisic, USMNT, and Mexico

Mexico, led by stars like Gimenez, will compete in Group A against South Africa, South Korea, and a UEFA play-off winner, kicking off at the legendary Azteca Stadium. The USMNT, meanwhile, starts their Group D campaign against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in California, followed by matches with Australia and a European play-off winner. With both sides eager to impress in front of home crowds, expectations are sky-high.

Inside the Club Rivalry: Pulisic and Gimenez Fire Up the Dressing Room

The friendly rivalry between Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez extends beyond international fixtures. According to Gimenez, debates over which nation is superior are a regular feature at Milan’s training ground: “They make jokes of us or they ask, ‘Who’s better, USA or Mexico?’ I start saying Mexico, Pulisic starts saying USA, and it’s a fight in the dressing room, but everything with love at the end!”

Off the Field: NFL, Barbecues, and Lasting Friendship

Despite their on-field ambitions, Pulisic and Gimenez share a genuine friendship. They bond over NFL games—Pulisic supports the Jets, Gimenez the Dolphins—and casual barbecues. Their camaraderie highlights how elite athletes can forge deep connections, even as national pride and rivalry loom on the horizon.

Pulisic-Gimenez Rivalry: What It Means for the 2026 World Cup

The friendly but fiery rivalry between Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez encapsulates the spirit of international football. Should USMNT and Mexico cross paths in the 2026 World Cup, their on-pitch battle promises passion, skill, and unforgettable moments for fans from both nations.

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Opinion: Why This Rivalry Matters

The Pulisic-Gimenez relationship is a testament to the beautiful game’s ability to unite and divide, often at the same time. Their story brings a personal touch to the epic USA-Mexico rivalry and offers fans a compelling narrative to follow at the 2026 World Cup. Both stars will want to make history for their countries, and whichever team advances further, their friendship will endure—proving that football rivalry can fuel greatness both on and off the pitch.