When Mauricio Pochettino took the helm of the United States men’s national soccer team in 2024, he was greeted with a team low on confidence and in danger of failing to meet lofty expectations heading into their 2026 World Cup co-host experience.
Hailing from one of the most celebrated international coaching résumés, having managed Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea after a successful playing career with the Argentina national team, Pochettino understood that the USMNT revival needed more than a tactical fix.
Following a disappointing showing in the 2024 Copa América and the subsequent firing of the preceding coaching staff, Pochettino stepped in to find a team lacking the urgency and the competitive fire to truly contend in international football.
Taking cues from his native Argentinian football culture, he insisted that a national team call-up must be a privilege and placed an emphasis on accountability, commitment, and the belief that playing time, as well as status, is not guaranteed solely through a player’s resume.
He cast a wide net, having tried out upwards of 70 players across several camps and tournaments while in pursuit of an optimal blend of veteran presence and youthful aggression. Established United States talent who may have previously assumed a starting gig have found their spots challenged, while a wave of young talent has risen to the challenge and seized their moments to shine.
The process wasn’t always a smooth ride, with a couple of uninspiring results early on in 2025 and a temporary falling out between veteran Christian Pulisic and Pochettino that raised questions about the team’s unity. But Pochettino has consistently stressed the importance of patience to his team to build that winning culture.
Now, the United States goes into 2026 ready to play with confidence, pace, and a deep, unified team in which youngsters Alex Freeman and goalkeeper Matt Freese are making a significant impact while experienced stars are embracing a level of competition they may have been accustomed to shunning.
After six goals in their opening two World Cup fixtures, the United States has arrived as a realistic dark horse contender to go on a deep run and will look to build on their momentum in their Round of 32 matchups. What was once hope has been replaced by belief, thanks to Pochettino’s high-pressure methods and style of play that is now translating into success against the best in the world.
