Mauricio Pochettino, the current manager of the United States Men's National Team (USMNT), has publicly stated his ambitious goal for the team: to win the 2026 World Cup. With the tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the pressure is on the USMNT to perform at their peak and make a significant impact on home soil. Pochettino's bold declaration has set a high bar for the team and ignited expectations among fans and analysts alike.
Pochettino's confidence stems from his belief in the potential of the USMNT squad. He has repeatedly emphasized that the United States has the capability to become a dominant force in international soccer within the next decade, possibly even sooner. He also believes that the USMNT is ready to deliver success in time for the 2026 World Cup. He sees the team as possessing a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, creating a dynamic and competitive environment. He recognizes the unique characteristics of US Soccer's culture, noting that many players transition to soccer after participating in other sports, which he believes brings a different perspective and skillset to the game.
However, Pochettino is also aware of the challenges that lie ahead. He acknowledged that soccer in the USA is often viewed as a "nice game to play," while in other countries, it's a "sport war," demanding intense competition and a fighting spirit. He aims to instill a more competitive culture within the team, emphasizing the importance of fighting for every ball and approaching each game with a warrior mentality. In March 2025, after losses to Panama and Canada, Pochettino stressed that there was still time to fix things before the World Cup, but also stated that he would sound the alarm if the same issues persisted closer to the tournament.
To achieve his ambitious goal, Pochettino is focused on building a cohesive and well-prepared team. He is known for his high-pressing, attacking style of soccer and his ability to develop and mentor top players. His track record at European clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea demonstrates his expertise in guiding teams to success. He notably led Tottenham to their first-ever Champions League final in 2019. He has coached world-class players such as Lionel Messi, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé.
Pochettino's appointment as the USMNT manager in August 2024 was seen as a statement of intent by U.S. Soccer, signaling their commitment to achieving success on the global stage. U.S. Soccer's sporting director, Matt Crocker, praised Pochettino as "a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams."
The USMNT's recent performances have been mixed, with some disappointing results raising concerns among fans and analysts. Losses to Panama and Canada in the Concacaf Nations League, and to Turkey and Switzerland in friendlies, have highlighted the need for improvement. Some have expressed concerns about Pochettino's tactics not aligning with the strengths of the current player pool. However, Pochettino remains optimistic and believes that the team has the potential to overcome these challenges.
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues, Pochettino's leadership and vision will be crucial in shaping the USMNT's destiny. His bold declaration of winning the World Cup has set a high standard for the team and ignited a sense of anticipation among fans. Whether the USMNT can meet these lofty expectations remains to be seen, but with Pochettino at the helm, they have a proven leader with a clear goal in sight.
