Pochettino Confident USMNT Has Time to Improve Before 2026 World Cup
TDT | Manama
Mauricio Pochettino remains optimistic about the United States Men's National Team's (USMNT) future despite back-to-back defeats in the Concacaf Nations League. After a disappointing 2-1 loss to Canada in the third-place match on Sunday, the Argentine coach assured fans that there is still ample time to make the necessary adjustments ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The defeat against Canada followed a shocking 1-0 semifinal loss to Panama, raising concerns about the team's preparedness under Pochettino's leadership. However, the former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager, who took charge of the USMNT after leaving the Premier League last May, dismissed any long-term pessimism.
"It's better to lose now because we have time," Pochettino stated. "If we were in this situation a year from now, for sure, I'd tell you, 'Houston, we have a problem. SOS.'"
Despite the recent struggles, Pochettino emphasized his belief in the squad's potential and refused to allow negativity to creep in. "We are all disappointed, and the fans should feel that. But I won't let pessimism take over because I think we have good players. We will find a way to perform, and for sure, we will compete differently."
With the 2026 World Cup set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, expectations are high for the American squad to deliver on home soil. Their next opportunity for redemption comes in June, when they will host Turkey and Switzerland in a pair of friendly matches aimed at fine-tuning their squad.
As the countdown to the World Cup continues, all eyes will be on Pochettino to see if he can turn potential into results on the grandest stage.
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