ไทย
English
中國人
Just weeks before reuniting his squad for the first time since the 2026 FIFA World Cup, U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has set a clear vision for the new cycle: transforming the USMNT into one of the "most powerful" national teams in world football.
"We want to try to perform in the World Cup and to create something special with the fans," Pochettino told a small group of journalists this week, following the team's round of 16 exit this summer. "Now it's about being part of the legacy that the federation wants to build—becoming one of the most powerful nations in soccer. That is a dream, no? It's amazing. If we can be part of that, we will be so excited and so happy."
In the weeks ahead, the journey toward becoming a global force will get underway, beginning with the September-October international window, which features four friendly fixtures against Peru, Chile, Canada and Mexico.
Fall Friendlies, New Roster Beckons
Pochettino is operating under a new contract that runs through the 2030 tournament. He will now embark on the multi-year process of testing and refining his roster ahead of that future competition.
"It's an exciting moment, and to set the new rules, the new vision," the manager said. "To build something different and to establish the U.S., improve with every season and, of course, arrive at the World Cup within the conditions to be a genuine contender. It's going to be tough because you always need time, but I think that is not only our desire or wish, but to feel confident that we can arrive in four years as a real contender."
Following the four fall friendlies, the USMNT will shift focus to the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals in November—their first competitive action of the new cycle. That window will also likely mark the team's first matches on foreign soil since November 2024, after 28 consecutive games—including the World Cup—were all played on home turf. It will therefore serve as an ideal opportunity for the squad to experience competing in unfamiliar environments, similar to what they'll face at the 2030 World Cup in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
Should the USMNT progress beyond the Nations League quarterfinals, they would advance to a centralized semifinal and final window in March, with the aim of improving on a disappointing fourth-place finish in 2024–25. The Stars and Stripes will then set their sights on the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup next summer, their next shot at silverware and a chance to cement their status as a top-tier global competitor.
Pochettino With Expanded Role and Key Demands
Pochettino's renewed agreement with U.S. Soccer comes with a broader scope of responsibilities, drawing him deeper into the administrative and developmental aspects of the program alongside his duties as men's national team head coach.
The former Premier League boss is expected to help shape the direction of youth development, meaning he will play a role in monitoring the progress of America's most promising young talents and those projected to be key contributors to the senior side by 2030.
Alongside his expanded duties, Pochettino has introduced new standards for the team—ones he considers essential to building a powerhouse. Chief among them is the commitment level expected from the USMNT player pool. In 2025, multiple players chose to sit out friendlies and the Gold Cup for rest purposes, most notably the face of U.S. Soccer, Christian Pulisic, whose absence in 2025 ultimately failed to translate into a strong or healthy World Cup showing this summer.
The squad's frequently relaxed attitude toward international duty is something the Argentine coach is no longer willing to tolerate and believes must change without delay.
"We were talking about the habits. Before, it was difficult to build the roster for the Gold Cup a year out because the mindset was different. They'd say, 'Oh, if I have no holidays, I cannot arrive fresh for the World Cup,'" Pochettino said.
"With time, [we] know now that is bulls---, no? It's [time] to change this type of thinking [and] to build the mindset with the coaches, with the people in the organization and in the clubs, and, of course, with the players in the way we will plan."
The time to reshape the USMNT and instill better habits is now. Competing for the 2027 Nations League and Gold Cup titles will also be a priority, before Concacaf World Cup qualifying kicks off in 2028.