Pochettino Urges Belief as USMNT Prepares for World Cup

On the verge of the World Cup, Mauricio Pochettino stands ready to steer the U.S. men's national team through a challenging journey marked by both setbacks and breakthroughs. Since his arrival nearly two years ago, Pochettino has advocated for a mindset focused on winning every match and ultimately capturing the World Cup trophy.

At his introduction in New York, Pochettino expressed a clear vision: "We need to really believe and think of big things. We need to believe that we can win, that we can win all [of the] games. We can win the World Cup." His tenure has been defined by navigating a team whose progress has been uneven, with questions remaining about the extent of their improvement and readiness for success on the world stage.

Pochettino’s appointment was intended as a long-term project culminating in this World Cup moment. His belief in the team is firm, but whether that belief is shared by the wider public remains uncertain. The unpredictable nature of World Cups adds complexity to the challenge ahead.

From Personal World Cup Disappointment to Coaching Ambition

Pochettino’s own World Cup experience began with disappointment. Despite his aspirations to represent Argentina in the tournament, his 2002 World Cup debut ended in an early exit after a group-stage loss to England, a match in which his foul led to a decisive penalty goal. Reflecting on that period, he remarked, "We were unbeaten. We beat Germany in Germany, Brazil in Brazil. We beat Spain. Okay, nice, well done, at the World Cup you lose and everyone remembers how bad we were. No one remembers the nice days."

His coaching career has since taken him through several clubs, including Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, where he gained recognition as one of the world’s top coaches. After the U.S. team's early exit from the 2024 Copa America, U.S. Soccer sought a figure who could inject energy and serve as an ambassador for American soccer ahead of the sport’s biggest domestic event.

Following his departure from Chelsea, Pochettino embraced the USMNT role as a significant project, one that would allow him to reshape his World Cup legacy. However, the realities of American soccer culture presented challenges he had not fully anticipated.

Building a New Culture Amid Challenges

The opening match of Pochettino’s era in October 2024 was marked by optimism, with the U.S. defeating Panama 2-0 in Austin, Texas. The atmosphere echoed the motivational spirit of Ted Lasso with fans embracing the mantra "Believe." Yet, inconsistencies quickly emerged, including a loss to Mexico following a heavily rotated lineup.

In early 2025, the team showed promise with victories over Jamaica, Venezuela, and Costa Rica, largely fueled by MLS players. However, March 2025 brought setbacks, including a 1-0 loss to Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals and a defeat by Canada. Pochettino criticized the team’s lack of effort, stating, "We are USA. You cannot win with your shirt... You need to show, and you need to come here and be better, and suffer, and win the duels and work hard."

Further complications arose ahead of the Gold Cup, with key players like Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah opting out, and others unavailable due to club commitments or injuries. Pochettino used the tournament to reset expectations, emphasizing focus and commitment. "If you arrive to the camp and you want to spend some nice time, play golf, go for a dinner... that is the culture that we want to create? No, no, no, no, no," he declared.

By May, as preparations intensified, Pochettino acknowledged cultural differences between the U.S. and the countries where he had previously lived and coached. He highlighted the need to establish a new philosophy to compete against top nations like Brazil and Argentina, stating, "Now we are seeing the real American player... we have our culture and philosophy."

Progress and Prospects Ahead of the World Cup

The team’s foundational culture was forged not in high-profile friendlies but during the Gold Cup, where despite missing star players, a blend of newcomers and veterans demonstrated dedication. This approach led the U.S. to the final, where they lost to Mexico but regained momentum.

Following a loss to South Korea, the U.S. went unbeaten against Japan, Ecuador, Australia, Paraguay, and Uruguay, culminating in a 5-1 victory over Uruguay to close 2025. Although subsequent defeats to Belgium and Portugal tempered expectations, the team began its World Cup camp with a 3-2 win over Senegal, an African powerhouse.

Morale within the squad is reportedly higher than during much of the current cycle, yet questions remain about whether this optimism aligns with Pochettino’s original goal of winning the World Cup.

What Does the Future Hold for the USMNT?

Realistically, the U.S. faces formidable competition from numerous talented and experienced teams, making a World Cup victory unlikely this year. Pochettino’s mandate has been more about instilling belief in the possibility of such success, whether in this tournament or in the future.

This era centers on fostering confidence in the coach, the players—considered a golden generation—and the broader program that has evolved since 1994 when American soccer first gained global attention. Pochettino has frequently invoked the Miracle on Ice and posed the question, "Why not us?" encapsulating his message with the phrase, “Let's be realistic, and do the impossible.”

As Pochettino approaches what may be the final stage of his tenure with American soccer, he continues to pursue ambitious goals. Whether this boldness will translate into tangible success remains to be seen. Until then, he invites the nation to believe in him and his team throughout this journey.