Pochettino Sets Bold World Cup Target for USMNT While Opening Door to Tottenham Comeback
With the 2026 World Cup approaching in under four months, U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino poses a straightforward question about his squad's tournament goals: "Why shouldn't we claim the title?"
During a radio appearance on Spain's Radiogaceta de los Deportes, when questioned whether reaching the quarterfinals would constitute a successful 2026 World Cup run for the USMNT, Pochettino delivered a surprising answer.
"For me, that wouldn't be enough ... because our goal is to win [the World Cup], we have a winning mentality" Pochettino stated. "Capturing the World Cup is challenging for any nation, it won't be simple. It's also a unique experience with distinct circumstances, we'll see, upsets can always occur.
"It's accurate that globally, nobody places the USMNT among the top contenders for World Cup victory, I understand that reality. But within our group, when we accepted the challenge of competing in the World Cup, we thought: 'Why not? Why not claim it? Why not reach the tournament's final rounds?'
"We understand there's significant work ahead and that we've been preparing for a year and a half now to reach the standard that a World Cup—the premier competition—will require."
Pochettino Aiming to Leave a Mark on U.S. Soccer
Pochettino Seeking to Impact American Soccer
Pochettino also discussed soccer's expansion in America, particularly acknowledging Lionel Messi's role in the sport's accelerated popularity growth in recent years. This surge, he believes, will only amplify when the nation co-hosts the World Cup this summer, presenting what he sees as an exceptional opportunity.
"The World Cup serves as enormous inspiration for everyone," Pochettino explained. "Within our staff, we've always embraced that pressure to compete and succeed. We're working to instill that culture and mindset into the organization [U.S. Soccer], naturally, but also into the players, regarding how we must prepare for competition.
"The pressure exists because we're among the World Cup host countries and also because America consistently strives to be number one, in everything it seeks to lead and that mentality is present.
"It's accurate that soccer isn't the top sport like in other nations, but I believe it's our responsibility to manage it optimally and convert that pressure into motivation, to then compete at our highest level."
The Argentine coach's complete attention is dedicated to attempting to guide the USMNT to a memorable summer. His future beyond that remains less clear.
What The Future Looks Like For Pochettino After 2026 World Cup
Pochettino's Post-2026 World Cup Prospects
Recent reports indicated Tottenham Hotspur were interested in reuniting with their former manager Pochettino following Thomas Frank's departure. Pochettino dismissed having recent communication with Spurs, but didn't rule out a potential summer return.
"Those are speculations," Pochettino said, dismissing any contact. "They consistently link me with Tottenham, just as they previously did with Espanyol or other clubs. Ultimately, particularly because I have history with these teams, when situations deteriorate, people rely on sentiment.
"But no, we're concentrated on the World Cup, on the USMNT. My agreement concludes after the World Cup, so from that point, we'll see what possibilities arise, [I am] receptive to all options."
Should Pochettino succeed in approaching his ambitious World Cup objectives this summer, then options and interested clubs won't be in short supply once the tournament ends.