Pochettino demands victory as USMNT prepares for World Cup opener

Mauricio Pochettino has established a strict performance metric for the US Men’s National Team as they prepare for their World Cup debut against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The head coach, who took charge in September 2024, stated that success is defined solely by winning the tournament, rejecting the need for inspirational pre-match rhetoric in favour of internal psychological preparation.

Pochettino confirmed that the starting lineup for the opener is decided but has not disclosed the names to the squad. He indicated that players would only be informed if an unexpected change occurred before the match, noting that revealing the selection prematurely could disrupt their focus. The coach advised the team to approach the game with the emotional freedom of childhood, urging them to play without the weight of excessive responsibility or pressure.

The appointment of Pochettino followed a period of instability for the national team, including a group stage exit at the Copa America and subsequent defeats to Panama and Canada in the Concacaf Nations League. The coach has cited those recent losses as a crucial turning point that facilitated a necessary mindset reset. He observed that the team’s identity has clarified over the past 17 training camp days, with recent friendlies against Senegal and Germany demonstrating the intense, attack-minded approach he has implemented.

Despite the high stakes, Pochettino argued that the team no longer requires external motivation. He described the current phase as the culmination of nearly two years of work to reset a national team that had lost its way. The coach emphasised that the players have evolved to understand the seriousness of representing their country, noting that consistency in their fight has brought them to a strong condition for the tournament.

All 26 members of the squad are available for selection against Paraguay. This includes defender Chris Richards, who resumed full training on Monday after sustaining an ankle injury in the weeks leading up to the tournament. Pochettino expressed pride in the squad’s development, stating that the players have embraced a culture of competitiveness that aligns with the expectations of the host nation.

The USMNT enters the World Cup with no excuses, having won six of their last 10 games since Pochettino’s appointment. The coach maintained that the objective remains uncomplicated: to win the match tomorrow and continue that trajectory through to the final. He insisted that any outcome other than winning the World Cup would make discussions of success meaningless.