Christian Pulisic and USA stars fuelled up for World Cup - by eating burgers

The USMNT landed in Doha a few days ago ahead of the World Cup, but have already been seen sticking to their culture by munching burgers.

Football stars are known for their healthy eating and strict diets, something that has become essential to keep up with the intensity of the modern game. And the USMNT are no different, even though traditional American foods aren't exactly known for their health benefits.

The USMNT are keen to impress at the World Cup this year, after failing to qualify for the previous tournament in 2018. And in an attempt to feel at home, they've been filmed eating burgers just days before their opening game against Wales.

Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson, Ethan Horvath, Luca de la Torre, Tim Ream and Cristian Roldan of the USMNT were checking out Souq Waqif, Doha, and decided to stop for a few burgers. Pulisic was seen tucking into what looked like a very decent meal, something that's likely to be different from his Chelsea diet.

It's certainly not the kind of pre-tournament food that you'd expect players to be eating before the World Cup, but Pulisic is calm and confident ahead of the campaign in Qatar. The USMNT will play England, Iran and Wales in the group stages, and will be hoping to reach the knockout stages just as they did in 2010 and 2014.

It's no secret that the USMNT are not favourites for the competition, and they're also underdogs against England, who are expected to top the group. But Pulisic has warned the Three Lions and other nations that they should be feared.

"We know if we look at the odds it will be the normal names who are the favourites to win in Qatar," said Pulisic. "Brazil, Argentina, Germany, France, England and one or two more. We know we won't be considered in that group.

"But we don't look at the odds and we're not at The World Cup just to make up the numbers. We go, we give it everything in every game we play, we make America proud. Wherever that takes us we have to wait and see."

The USMNT play England in game two of Group B, a pivotal stage in the competition. Pulisic will know England stars Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher and Raheem Sterling from the dressing room at Chelsea, and has vowed to fight against them, and their other group rivals.

"I understand why there will be lots of talk and excitement around The England game," said Pulisic. "They have some of the best players in the world, players that I know well.

"There are three games in the group and one is no more important than the other two. In all three games, we will fight for the points."