The pressure is mounting for Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine manager has done plenty in his career, but he's never prepared a team for a home World Cup before.
That's exactly what he needs to do with the U.S. men's national team. And the stakes couldn't be higher.
This isn't just another tournament. The 2026 World Cup is supposed to launch soccer into the American mainstream. Business executives and die-hard fans alike hope a strong showing will convert casual viewers from baseball and football to the beautiful game.
"You know that if you have a successful World Cup, it allows for exponential growth of the game within your country," former USMNT star Cobi Jones told Sports Illustrated. He played in the 1994 World Cup on American soil, so he understands the weight of the moment.
How Are Preparations Going?
The U.S. wrapped up 2025 on a high note. They went undefeated in their last five matches and won their final three games. The highlight? A 5-1 demolition of Uruguay, the same team that knocked them out of Copa América in 2024.
While regional rivals Mexico and Canada scheduled January friendlies to stay sharp, Pochettino took a different approach. The U.S. didn't play any matches or hold training camps in January.
Why? Pochettino seems confident he knows his squad already. He's unlikely to bring in many new faces when the team reunites in March for friendlies against Belgium and Portugal.
"The idea is the World Cup will start in March when we'll all be together," Pochettino explained. "It's time to show our identity, our way to play and how we want to perform in the World Cup."
The formation switch to a 3-4-2-1 worked wonders down the stretch. It powered victories over Australia, Paraguay, and that impressive Uruguay win. The December draw put the U.S. in a group with Paraguay and a European playoff winner, giving them reasons for optimism.
Can They Meet Expectations?
Here's the thing: friendly matches can't replicate World Cup pressure. "They were friendlies, while they weren't very friendly, and now you add in the pressure and the heightened aggression and experience of a World Cup, and they're all finals," U.S. defender Tim Ream said after the draw.
The 1994 tournament was completely different. Back then, 14 of 22 roster players trained together full-time under federation contracts. They were basically a club team wearing national colors. That won't happen in the modern era.
Still, those Americans met expectations by reaching the knockout round before losing to Brazil. This time, with an expanded tournament format, fans expect more. Many are hoping for at least a quarterfinal appearance, matching the team's 2002 performance.
For bettors sizing up USMNT chances, the recent form is encouraging. The team's finishing momentum and tactical improvements suggest value in backing them to advance from their group. Captain Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams won't be lifting the trophy on July 19, but a deep run isn't out of the question.
Jones believes Pochettino has found the right formula. "It's about that desire, that passion. You need that on any team that is going to have success at a World Cup," Jones said. "I think Pochettino has found that right mix of players to motivate everyone at this time."
Pochettino has never done this before, but his plan is clear. If he gets it right and delivers results on home soil, every national team will want him to work his magic for them next.
