Mauricio Pochettino has called on 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosts the United States to embrace the pressure that comes with hosting the tournament.
The USMNT will fancy their chances of going far at the tournament which they are co-hosting alongside Mexico and Canada, given their favourable group draw and quality roster.
They have been drawn in group A alongside Paraguay, Australia and either Turkey or Kosovo, who compete in the UEFA playoffs next week, and will be favourites to advance from the group.
However, Pochettino who took over the head coach role in September 2024, has challenged his side to avoid losing focus due to the pressure they will be facing at the tournament.
“The thing that I really enjoyed was that all the athletes that were involved in different sports, they play free – trying to perform and to entertain,” Pochettino stated.
“When you are free, you perform. When you feel happy, you perform. You don’t need to feel the pressure.”
The USMNT will be in action against Belgium later tonight, before facing Portugal on Wednesday, as they continue preparations for the tournament.
Several of their key players were handed call-ups, giving Pochettino a chance to sort his best legs with just a few months until the tournament begins.
The country’s best-ever finish was a third-placed finish in 1930 and they have not progressed beyond the last eight since then.
USA were defeated by Netherlands in the 2022 edition in Qatar, while they missed out entirely on the 2018 edition in Russia.
“Pressure is a thing that, if you don’t deal perfectly with this, can be heavy,” added Pochettino.
The USMNT will begin their campaign at the summer’s World Cup against Paraguay on June 13 at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
