Pochettino tests attack-minded USMNT in final World Cup warm-up
The US Men’s National Team concluded their pre-tournament preparations with a defeat that underscored Mauricio Pochettino’s tactical shift ahead of the Paraguay opener.
The United States Men’s National Team concluded their final preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 defeat to Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday. The match served as the last outing for the Americans before their Group D opener against Paraguay on 12 June, marking a decisive moment in head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s pre-tournament strategy.
Germany established an early advantage through Kai Havertz, who headed the ball past Matt Freese in the second minute. Antonee Robinson responded to level the score in the 23rd minute, but Leroy Sane restored Germany’s lead in the 57th minute. The result extends the USMNT’s winless record against European sides under Pochettino, who has overseen five matches with zero wins, four goals scored, and 15 conceded.
Pochettino utilised the fixture to test an attack-minded tactical approach, selecting players such as Malik Tillman and Weston McKennie in advanced midfield roles. The coach emphasised the squad’s reaction to the early deficit as a positive indicator of their readiness for the tournament. He described the initial goal as "lucky" for the team, noting that the positive response demonstrated the resilience required to handle pressure during the World Cup.
Statistically, the USMNT recorded 16 shots compared to Germany’s 12, but Germany generated higher expected goals at 1.47 to the Americans’ 0.99. Despite the loss, the team’s messaging focused on immediate recovery from setbacks. Captain Tim Ream referenced the team’s previous 5-2 defeat to Belgium as a cautionary tale, stating that the group’s priority is to "punch back" after mistakes rather than allowing games to unravel.
Robinson, who scored his goal before suffering from cramps and limping off the field, stated he felt fine afterwards but needed to leave the pitch due to an inability to continue. Pochettino joked that the cramps may have resulted from overexertion and excitement during the pre-game presentation. The team is now scheduled to head to their World Cup base in Irvine, California, for a decisive week of preparation before facing Paraguay.
