Pochettino preaches relaxation as USMNT’s World Cup debut looms

AI Summary

Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of USMNT, emphasizes relaxation and trust in his coaching staff after months of preparation for the World Cup. Despite previous setbacks in tournaments and friendlies, the entire 26-player squad is available and ready for the competition.

Mauricio Pochettino declared on Thursday that, after months of assessing his player pool and testing different formations and approaches, it’s time to trust that his staff have set up the team for the best tournament possible. “I was talking with a good friend that won the World Cup in 1986 with Argentina,” said Pochettino, who confirmed that all 26 US players are available for selection. There have been tough lessons along the way, from the shock fourth-place finish at the 2025 Concacaf Nations League to March’s friendly defeats to Belgium and Portugal by a 7-2 aggregate.