Pulisic and Gimenez Set for Fiery USMNT-Mexico World Cup Clash

Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez: Club Friends, World Cup Rivals

Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez, two of AC Milan’s attacking stars, are set to become fierce rivals when the USMNT and Mexico cross paths in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their close friendship at Milan—built on shared NFL interests and barbecue nights—will be put to the ultimate test as national pride takes center stage.

Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez: Friendship on the Line

Christian Pulisic, the USMNT’s dynamic forward, has enjoyed an outstanding spell since joining AC Milan in 2023. Santiago Gimenez, who arrived in February 2025 from Feyenoord, has quickly integrated into the Rossoneri squad, forging a strong bond with Pulisic both on and off the pitch. Despite their camaraderie, both acknowledge that international duty changes everything.

Gimenez, in a lighthearted warning to Pulisic, jokingly told ESPN, “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. We are always together, and I hope, if he’s not playing against Mexico, that he does well. But if he’s playing against Mexico, of course if I need to kill him, I kill him!”

Off the field, their friendship thrives over NFL games—Pulisic supporting the Jets, Gimenez rooting for the Dolphins—and cookouts. But as the World Cup approaches, both players admit that national allegiance comes first.

USMNT and Mexico’s World Cup Prospects

This summer, the World Cup will be contested on North American soil, with Mexico and the United States both aiming to impress in front of home crowds. Gimenez expressed excitement at playing on familiar turf, emphasizing the strength of both squads: “To play a World Cup in your country is amazing, and we have the opportunity to do it. Our family will be there—it is our people, our stadium, our country, you know, so we need to be strong, and we will be strong.”

He continued, “I think [the U.S.] have a really strong national team. I think they can make maybe quarter-finals. I think they’re strong. I would love to play against the USA in the World Cup because of the rivalry that football brings, and the fans love this.” Gimenez recalled the thrill of Mexico’s recent Gold Cup victory over the USMNT, highlighting the long-standing competitive spirit between the two nations.

World Cup Group Stage Draws

Mexico will open their 2026 campaign in Group A, facing South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium on June 11, followed by clashes against South Korea and a UEFA playoff winner. The United States, drawn into Group D, kick off at SoFi Stadium in California against Paraguay on June 12, then take on Australia in Seattle and return to Los Angeles for a final group-stage match against a European playoff winner. Expectations are high for both teams to progress deep into the tournament, especially with home crowds behind them.

Friendly Banter, Fierce Competition

Inside the AC Milan dressing room, debates over “Mexico or USA?” are a constant source of banter, with Pulisic and Gimenez leading the charge for their respective countries. Gimenez shared, “This is always a dressing room talk with everyone. 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!”

The rivalry between the USMNT and Mexico is one of the fiercest in international football, and their potential World Cup clash promises another dramatic chapter. With both squads boasting talented lineups, fans eagerly anticipate a showdown filled with passion and quality.

What This Rivalry Means for North American Football

The prospect of a USMNT vs Mexico match on home soil is more than just a battle for supremacy—it’s a showcase of North America’s footballing growth. Both teams have the potential to make deep runs, with players like Pulisic and Gimenez at the forefront of their respective squads. For supporters, this rivalry is about more than just results; it’s about pride, history, and the promise of a thrilling spectacle.

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Opinion: The Spirit of Rivalry Enhances the Game

In football, few things are as compelling as a friendly rivalry turned fierce on the world stage. Pulisic and Gimenez embody the passion, respect, and competitive fire that make USMNT vs Mexico such a special fixture. Their friendship off the pitch and rivalry on it show how sport can unite yet fiercely divide, making this potential World Cup clash a must-watch.