The 2026 World Cup is lower than one yr away and, as one of many co-hosts, the USA males’s nationwide workforce will face some massive expectations.
So, what would success appear to be for USMNT supervisor Mauricio Pochettino at subsequent yr’s 48-team match held throughout Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., making it the most important version in historical past?
He believes this workforce can win all of it.
“I’m not promoting nothing that can not be attainable,” Pochettino instructed FOX Sports activities’ Tom Rinaldi. “Something is feasible in soccer, in soccer.”
Pochettino has beforehand coached at notable European golf equipment like Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea. He’s led high worldwide gamers like Harry Kane, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe. It was due to this fact a seismic transfer when U.S. Soccer employed him in 2023 to steer the boys’s workforce following a disappointing displaying on the Copa América, additionally hosted in the USA.
“I see this as an thrilling problem,” Pochettino defined to Rinaldi about why he took this job. “It’s an necessary alternative to construct collectively a legacy and make historical past.”
USMNT Supervisor Mauricio Pochettino needs to carry United States World Cup glory in 2026 | FOX Soccer
But it surely hasn’t been straightforward for Pochettino since his arrival. Two losses in March to Panama and Canada. Two extra final week forward of the Gold Cup, which kicks off Saturday and would be the final aggressive match earlier than subsequent yr’s massive occasion.
The Argentinian supervisor is attempting to instill a tradition right into a squad that has usually fallen in need of expectations in opposition to high groups from all over the world.
“The issue right here within the USA is that soccer is seen as a pleasant sport to play,” Pochettino stated. “However in several international locations, it’s a sport to compete, it’s a battle … it’s a sport warfare.”
Pochettino spoke with Rinaldi forward of the USMNT’s two most up-to-date friendlies — losses to Turkey and Switzerland. Pochettino’s roster that heads into the Gold Cup is lacking star gamers reminiscent of Christian Pulisic, who opted to overlook the match following an extended season at AC Milan.
“We have to perceive that soccer is a collective workforce, the USMNT is larger than any title,” Pochettino defined.
Pulisic stated earlier this week that he offered to play the two friendlies however was denied by the teaching employees.
For Pochettino, he’s maintaining his deal with the roster he has this summer time because the countdown to the World Cup really will get underway.
“I’m excited, I can not wait,” he stated. “I hope tomorrow it could begin.”
It can come quickly sufficient, and the eyes of the U.S. – and the world – shall be on him.
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