Pochettino Drops Bombshell Promise Following USMNT's Crushing Defeat: "When the World Cup Starts"
With fewer than 10 months remaining before they launch the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, the U.S. men's national soccer team lacks substantial confidence, yet head coach Mauricio Pochettino stays firm that circumstances will improve prior to the tournament's commencement.
On Saturday, they suffered their seventh defeat in their past eight matches against top-30 ranked opponents, falling 2–0 to South Korea in a predominantly lackluster display, with strikes from Son Heung-min and Lee Dong-gyeong.
Appearing weary and disheartened, Pochettino also seemed puzzled as his managerial record fell to seven defeats in 17 fixtures, securing victories mainly against lesser-ranked nations.
"In general, I believe we performed better than South Korea, but ultimately, without clinical finishing, it becomes challenging," he stated after the match. "We generated more opportunities and felt we dominated the contest.
"I feel very disappointed with the outcome, but I think the overall display represents significant progress... I'm extremely satisfied with how we're developing, from the Gold Cup to today with different personnel, and the players are beginning to grasp our expectations."
Despite the U.S. maintaining greater possession, they failed to dictate the game's pace and were vulnerable to South Korea's swift counter-attacks. Meanwhile, the American starting eleven struggled to establish flow, with newcomer Tristan Blackmon looking overwhelmed in his debut appearance and forward Josh Sargent recording merely 17 touches across 64 minutes.
The second-half substitutions and tactical changes brought some improved moments for the U.S., but the match crawled toward its disappointing conclusion, despite a promising opportunity from Tim Weah in the closing moments.
Winning Not a Priority for Pochettino
Despite some encouraging passages, Pochettino revealed his indifference toward securing victories in exhibition matches, even as the U.S. Soccer Federation has arranged numerous elite opponents for the squad to prepare against before the World Cup.
"We must begin winning when the World Cup commences," the Argentine coach declared, apparently downplaying the significance of establishing a victorious momentum ahead of the competition.
"[There are] numerous instances of teams that triumph for five years [before the tournament] and then reach the World Cup unprepared. I experienced this in 2002 with Argentina, we were victorious for years and then at the World Cup, we were eliminated in the group phase."
Nevertheless, this viewpoint isn't universally embraced throughout the squad, with AFC Bournemouth midfielder and Saturday's USMNT captain Tyler Adams acknowledging: "I enjoy the sensation of victory, so I'd prefer winning matches before the World Cup. I comprehend his reasoning, you can deliver strong performances without achieving results. But eventually, securing some outcomes becomes crucial."
Looking Ahead
While the USMNT will probably feature a modified starting eleven when they begin World Cup play, the issues surrounding roster construction and team unity were as apparent as ever against South Korea. They face another examination against Japan on Tuesday.
Ultimately, a manager and squad will be judged by their victories and defeats, and this holds particularly true for the USMNT approaching the World Cup, with no competitive fixtures to counter the friendly match form; regardless of Pochettino's perspective.
"They must have faith, the message [to supporters] is they must believe," Pochettino declared. "The crucial element is that when the World Cup begins, we need everyone selected for the squad to be in peak form."