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U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino declared that the Stars and Stripes are competing "to win" the 2026 World Cup, with a minimum goal of reaching the semifinal round.
All attention is focused on the USMNT ahead of soccer's premier tournament this summer, taking place predominantly on American soil. Following disappointing exits at the 2024 Copa América, the 2025 Concacaf Nations League and the 2025 Gold Cup, the red, white and blue have a great deal to prove under high-profile appointment Pochettino, who carries ambitious expectations for his squad.
When questioned by L'Équipe about the USMNT's goal at the 2026 World Cup, Pochettino responded: "To win! Because the USA is a country where, no matter the athlete, no matter the sport, when a competition begins, the objective is to win. Soccer is no different."
Pochettino's side landed a manageable draw in Group D, facing familiar opponents Paraguay and Australia, along with the winner of UEFA Playoff Path C: Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo. Advancing past the group stage is merely the opening challenge for the Stars and Stripes, however, on what Pochettino envisions will be a lengthy journey toward the team's finest-ever tournament finish.
Pochettino Hopes USMNT Draws Inspiration From Past Underdogs
The odds are firmly against the USMNT when it comes to making a deep run at this summer's World Cup. Even if the team finishes atop its group, it will likely need to overcome European powerhouses in the knockout rounds. Should results follow expected patterns, Pochettino's side would eventually face Spain in the quarterfinals and France in the semifinals.
On paper, the Stars and Stripes appear to have little chance of defeating the reigning European champions or the 2022 World Cup runners-up. But Pochettino refuses to follow conventional thinking.
"In soccer, logic has a limited role," he said. "There are no mathematical formulas to predict results. That's also what makes it the most beautiful sport in the world — because it can be unpredictable. It's about being competitive, but also about managing emotions.
"It's a fine blend of logic and illogic, rationality and irrationality. Assuming we have a quality squad with the right mentality and the backing of the fans, all the ingredients are there to generate positive energy and attempt what South Korea and Morocco achieved in 2002 and 2022."
In 2002, South Korea pulled off a stunning run to the semifinals in the tournament they co-hosted with Japan. Morocco similarly made an unexpected semifinal appearance in Qatar in 2022, where many of their matches felt like home fixtures for the Atlas Lions.
Now, the USMNT will benefit from home crowd support at their matches — an advantage that could carry the Stars and Stripes a long way, provided they deliver the quality needed on the field.
Pochettino Reiterates Political Stance As Tensions Rise in U.S.
Pochettino drew attention for the wrong reasons back in January when he firmly stated that his players should focus solely on soccer, rather than World Cup ticket prices or political matters. "We are not politicians. We are sports people who can only speak about our work," the Argentine said.
Yet U.S. President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement measures, involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts and prior threats to impose tariffs on European nations have created a charged atmosphere surrounding the 2026 World Cup — one that is difficult for the USMNT manager to sidestep, particularly when pressed directly about the situation unfolding across the host country.
Pochettino, however, held firm to his earlier position. "I am willing to listen, but it is not my place to speak about politics. What I can say, as a human being, is that I am opposed to all forms of injustice," he said.
"But there must be no hypocrisy or demagoguery. So, how can I, as a public figure, contribute to a better world? Not by being a demagogue or by only speaking out when the media presents me with the opportunity.
"But if I can act behind the scenes, if I have access to influential individuals capable of making the world a better place, I do it — it's simply who I am. However, using a public platform, in this case the one provided by the organization that employs me, like the U.S. Soccer Federation, to promote my personal views is not the right way to go about it."