Pochettino sets bold World Cup ambitions for USMNT

Newly-appointed United States men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino has set a bold target for his squad: winning the 2026 World Cup. Speaking at his unveiling on Friday, the Argentine, a former coach at Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Paris Saint-Germain, urged his players to “think big.”

“We need to believe we can win. Not just a game, but the World Cup,” Pochettino said. “Believe is a powerful word. If we all believe together, we can achieve what we want.”

The USA will co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada. Pochettino drew inspiration from the US women’s team, praising their success under coach Emma Hayes. “We need to match their accomplishments,” he added.

After a poor Copa America showing and the sacking of Gregg Berhalter, Pochettino faces the challenge of revitalizing a squad that has won only one of its last seven matches. Despite having less than two years before the World Cup, he remains optimistic. “I believe there is enough time. We need to buy into the new philosophy.”

Pochettino’s first match in charge will be a friendly against Panama in Austin on October 12, followed by a clash with rivals Mexico in Guadalajara.

(Source: AFP)