Mauricio Pochettino's appointment as the USMNT head coach was met with considerable anticipation, fueled by his impressive track record in European club soccer. As the 2026 World Cup looms on home soil, the spotlight is firmly on Pochettino's ability to mold a talented yet underachieving squad into a cohesive and competitive unit. His impact, however, extends beyond tactical adjustments and player selection; it delves into the very core of the team's culture.
Pochettino's initial months have been marked by a frank assessment of the USMNT's internal standards. Following disappointing performances in the Nations League, he challenged the players to demonstrate a greater level of commitment and focus. "What we want to create in our national team is people desperate to come, desperate to perform," he asserted, emphasizing the need for players to prioritize the team above personal leisure and external distractions during training camps. He questioned whether arriving at camp with the intention of "play[ing] golf, go[ing] for dinner, visit[ing] my family, visit my friend" was the culture needed to win.
This emphasis on a winning culture represents a significant shift in mindset. Pochettino isn't just aiming to improve the team's on-field performance; he's striving to instill a sense of collective responsibility and unwavering dedication. He wants players to understand that representing their country is a privilege that demands complete focus and energy.
Pochettino's approach also involves fostering greater competition within the squad. By refreshing the roster and evaluating new faces, he aims to ignite a fire among the players, ensuring that no one takes their place for granted. This strategy was evident in his decision to start Matt Freese in goal during the Gold Cup, sending a message to veteran Matt Turner.
However, Pochettino faces the challenge of balancing his high expectations with the realities of managing a team comprised of players with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Many USMNT players spend the majority of their year playing for European clubs, and returning to the U.S. often involves juggling professional responsibilities with personal commitments. Finding the right balance between maintaining a focused training environment and allowing players to connect with family and friends is crucial for long-term success. Midfielder Tyler Adams acknowledged this challenge, noting the difficulty of maintaining a consistent team environment given the team's travel schedule across a large geographic area.
Despite some early setbacks, including a 4-0 loss to Switzerland, there are signs that Pochettino's message is beginning to resonate with the players. Defender Mark McKenzie highlighted the team's increased focus on rest, recovery, and preparation, while midfielder Brenden Aaronson described a "tunnel vision" mentality within the squad. Former USMNT stars Landon Donovan and Alexi Lalas have also commended Pochettino's progress, noting that he is "changing the culture slowly" and "winning back hearts and minds."
The 2025 Gold Cup serves as a crucial testing ground for Pochettino's cultural reset. While a trophy would undoubtedly be a welcome achievement, the primary objective is to solidify the team's new identity and build momentum heading into the World Cup. If the USMNT can demonstrate a newfound sense of unity, determination, and tactical discipline, it will send a clear message that Pochettino's cultural revolution is well underway. Ultimately, the success of this transformation will determine whether the USMNT can realize its full potential on the world's biggest stage in 2026.
