Pochettino’s Ambitious Vision for USMNT Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of the United States men’s national team (USMNT), remains focused on the goal of winning the 2026 World Cup, urging his players to “think big.”

Despite the USMNT not having advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals since 2002, which marks their best performance in modern history, Pochettino believes the team should strive for victory as they co-host the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico next year. He highlighted Morocco’s remarkable journey to the semifinals during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as a testament to the power of an ambitious mindset.

Pochettino remarked, “For me, it’s about winning. I think if you don’t win, what does it matter? If you finish second, nobody remembers that. I believe we should aspire to win it. If you reach the semifinals or quarterfinals, that’s great, but we must aim higher.”

Drawing parallels with Morocco, he noted that their success stemmed from a strong belief in their potential: “They had the mentality of saying, ‘I’m going to go for it, I’m going to win.'” He emphasized that competing on home soil adds to the importance of nurturing such a mindset.

Since taking over the team after a disappointing Copa América performance last year, Pochettino has consistently stressed the significance of a robust mentality and culture within the squad, focusing on continuous improvement both on and off the field.

Reflecting on the challenges faced, he stated, “The storm started when I wasn’t there. A ship in the middle of a storm needs a new direction, and the new captain must accept the responsibility of navigating through difficulties.”

Pochettino highlighted a pivotal moment in the team’s journey, referencing their loss to Mexico in the 2025 Gold Cup. He expressed confidence that the team has since discovered a way to compete effectively, stating, “After the Gold Cup, we have found a way to raise our standards and compete at a higher level.”

Since the defeat by Mexico, the USMNT has achieved a record of four wins, one draw, and one loss, with Pochettino recently guiding the team to an impressive 5-1 victory against Uruguay.

However, Pochettino has faced criticism during his tenure. He remarked, “There are coaches in the United States who have criticized me unnecessarily. I would never criticize another coach because I understand the challenges involved. It seems exploitative to critique someone for not knowing the culture based on a couple of losses while we are undergoing a significant transformation.”

According to reports, the USMNT will face European opponents Portugal and Belgium in March, serving as the final matches before Pochettino announces his roster for the upcoming World Cup.