Pochettino Unveils Bold World Cup Strategy: "That's What America Represents" Under Trump's Leadership
United States men's national soccer team manager Mauricio Pochettino has stated that he would gladly present President Donald Trump with the World Cup trophy if they achieve an improbable victory on American territory, dismissing the hypothetical grandeur of such a ceremony as characteristically American with humor.
Should Pochettino find himself on the championship podium this summer, he would witness the USMNT becoming the inaugural non-European or South American nation to claim the World Cup. In such a historic scenario, Trump would likely be positioned nearby.
The President notably lingered on the packed stage during Chelsea's victory celebration at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, drawing criticism from Cole Palmer following the Premier League club's triumph over Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium. The 2026 World Cup championship match will also occur at this same New Jersey location.
"Absolutely, I will present [it to him if we] triumph. I will hand him the trophy, and he can raise the trophy without question, no issue for me," Pochettino stated in a recent conversation with the New York Post. "I believe the president was [at the Club World Cup] and backing soccer at a major event.
"Perhaps he's not a soccer enthusiast, and he found himself in a position where he was uncertain what to do [during the celebrations], but it was amusing. It was entertaining. That represents America."
Trump, who has engaged in World Cup preparations by heading the White House World Cup Task Force and advocating for the World Cup draw to occur at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., is anticipated to maintain a substantial presence during the tournament. Additionally, Mexican and Canadian officials Claudia Sheinbaum and Mark Carney are also expected to make appearances throughout the upcoming summer.
Pochettino, Trump Have Not Met
Pochettino hasn't had an opportunity to engage with the 45th and 47th President after just over a year managing the USMNT, though the two might encounter each other at the World Cup draw on Dec. 5.
"Perhaps we'll connect now at the draw, if there's an opportunity to meet him and offer greetings," Pochettino continued. "Should we meet, I want to express gratitude for all his efforts for American soccer...I believe that's wonderful because he's demonstrating his backing for soccer."
Prior to the draw and a possible encounter with President Trump, Pochettino will guide the USMNT through the final two exhibition matches of 2025, facing Paraguay on Nov. 15 in Philadelphia and Uruguay on Nov. 18 in Tampa.