25/06/2026 19:50 - Deportes
Mauricio Pochettino surprised everyone with candid declarations about his arrival to the United States Men's National Team (USMNT). The Argentine manager, who has led the North American squad to become one of the revelations of the 2026 World Cup, acknowledged that the beginning was much more complicated than they had imagined.
The 54-year-old coach did not hide that the reality he found upon taking the job was far from his initial expectations. "We were naive when we signed the contract. We underestimated the situation. What we found was worse than what we expected," Pochettino stated in a press conference.
The manager confirmed a rumor that had been circulating for some time regarding the lack of commitment from some players to the national team. "We thought people would be desperate to help, that everyone would get involved to play for the national team. It was quite the opposite," he noted with surprise.
"We received a big reality check. We said: 'What on earth...?'"
For international readers, it's important to understand that soccer in the United States operates differently than in traditional football powerhouses like Argentina, Brazil, or European nations. While MLS (Major League Soccer) has grown significantly, many American players develop in European academies, and the sporting culture prioritizes other sports like American football, basketball, and baseball.
The USMNT (United States Men's National Team) has historically struggled to maintain consistent player commitment during non-World Cup periods, something Pochettino discovered firsthand upon arrival.
Despite the difficult start, the United States has become one of the positive surprises of the tournament. The team thrashed Paraguay in their debut and displays a sophisticated system with players who perfectly understand their roles within the tactical structure.
Pochettino even showed ambition by comparing his team's possibilities to what Morocco achieved in the 2022 World Cup, where the African side reached the semifinals: "Why not us?" he questioned with optimism.
For those unfamiliar with Argentine football, Mauricio Pochettino is a renowned Argentine manager who previously coached prestigious clubs like Tottenham Hotspur (England), Paris Saint-Germain (France), and Chelsea. As a player, he was a defender for clubs including Newell's Old Boys, Espanyol, and Paris Saint-Germain. His attacking, proactive style has made him one of the most respected coaches in world football.
The Argentine manager also addressed the possibility of continuing to lead the national team beyond the World Cup: "If we want to stay, we have months to talk, or days or weeks, because there are four years until the next World Cup," he explained.
However, he clarified that for now, all his energy is focused on the tournament: "This is not the time to get distracted," he concluded.
The United States is one of the three hosts of the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada. This is the first World Cup with an expanded format of 48 teams. The team has shown outstanding performance in the group stage, raising expectations about how far they can go in the competition.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
