Mauricio Pochettino knows the expectations are high, both as one of the host teams and as part of the greatest generation in American soccer history. It’s probably the most expensive Star Spangled Banner.
The team has embraced those high expectations and used them as fuel to develop a winning mentality. At least that’s the idea coach Mauricio Pochettino conveyed after a conversation with President Donald Trump in which he said his team could compete for a title in a tournament in North America.
Mauricio Pochettino: USMNT showed unity and fighting spirit
Gregg Berhalter responds to Mauricio Pochettino’s comments
The comment immediately resonated throughout the soccer world, with current Chicago Fire coach and former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter among those who responded.
The American coach did not hesitate to support the ambitions of the national team’s new strategist. At the press conference before the MLS match between the Chicago Fire and the Columbus Crew, Berhalter was asked about Pochettino’s comments and his answer was clear.
I love it. I mean, that’s the mentality we need, right? Every time we go to a tournament, we have to think we can win
The former coach explained that having that confidence is fundamental when a team participates in a tough tournament like the World Cup.
“Why in reality anything is possible. In theory we can beat any team in the world,” added an optimistic Berhalter.
Conversation between Pochettino and Trump
The comment that caused a stir comes from a story recently revealed by Pochettino himself.
The Argentina national team coach said he met briefly with Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup draw and was asked directly about the possibility of representing the United States.
Pochettino explained that Donald Trump directly asked Pochettino whether his team had a chance of winning the 2026 World Cup, to which Pochettino flatly replied: “Of course, Mr. President.”
Pochettino explained that this reaction reflects the sporting philosophy he wants to establish within his team.
Because this is the United States. The American dream is here. American culture is about being first, being number one.
USMNT has a real chance of becoming world champions
On the sporting front, the USMNT will go into the World Cup with a positive outlook, with a five-game unbeaten run and 14 wins in their last 22 international matches, a result that has increased optimism among supporters. Some of these wins include matches against top teams such as Uruguay and Paraguay.
There also appears to be some lingering dissatisfaction with players such as Pulisic and McKennie, giving the U.S. a real chance of success at the 2026 World Cup. However, anything can happen in soccer, and the goal of becoming world champions seems to belong to teams with better teams such as Spain, France, Argentina and Portugal.
