US soccer coach Mauricio Pochettino has called on his team to embrace a sense of freedom and avoid succumbing to the pressures associated with co-hosting this summer’s World Cup. The tournament, set to kick off on June 11, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Team USA enters the competition with high expectations, featuring a talented roster that includes European-based stars such as Christian Pulisic of AC Milan and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie. Speaking ahead of a friendly match against Belgium on Saturday, Pochettino encouraged his players to take inspiration from American sports like the NFL and basketball, which he extensively followed after taking charge in 2024.
“What I admired was how athletes in various sports play with freedom, focusing on performance and entertainment,” Pochettino explained. “When you feel free and happy, your performance improves. Pressure isn’t necessary.”
Reflecting on his own experience as a player during the 2002 World Cup, Pochettino highlighted the weight of expectations. Argentina, considered favorites in the tournament held in Japan and South Korea, were eliminated in the group stage. “Pressure can be overwhelming if not managed properly,” he said. “We felt the heavy energy of expectation and couldn’t handle it effectively.”
As co-hosts, the US team will play all their matches on home soil. Their group includes Paraguay, Australia, and either Turkey or Kosovo, a draw considered relatively favorable. To prepare, the team will face two strong European sides: Belgium on Saturday and Portugal three days later in Atlanta.
However, injuries have affected the squad’s preparations. Central defenders Chris Richards and Miles Robinson have been ruled out of the friendlies, joining midfielders Tyler Adams and Diego Luna on the sidelines. Despite these setbacks, key players like Pulisic and McKennie are expected to participate and share their perspectives on managing expectations.
McKennie emphasized the normalcy of pressure in professional sports, stating, “We all chose this career knowing competition and pressure come with it. We don’t see it as a burden; in fact, we welcome it.” Pulisic, often regarded as the face of US soccer, revealed he has removed social media from his phone to avoid distractions. “I try to stay oblivious to it,” he said with a smile. “There’s pressure because it’s the World Cup, but I’m accustomed to it.”
In a significant development, the US team’s performance is viewed as pivotal for sustaining soccer’s growing popularity across North America. The US last reached the World Cup semi-finals in 1930, and while advancing that far again would exceed most expectations, the team is no longer seen as an underdog.
Pochettino expressed cautious optimism about the team’s chances, avoiding both arrogance and negativity. “I am here because I believe we can win,” he stated. “Whether it happens or not depends on many factors, but I urge everyone to believe in that possibility.”
