Pochettino Takes Helm of USMNT Ahead of World Cup

Mauricio Pochettino is set to debut as the head coach of the U.S. men's national team (USMNT) against Panama, focusing on restoring confidence and intensity within the squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He acknowledges the immense responsibility of enhancing the sport's popularity in the U.S., emphasizing the need for fan engagement to build a competitive team. Pochettino's training camp has prioritized longer sessions to instill his tactical philosophy, highlighting the importance of adaptability in gameplay. The current USMNT forwards face scrutiny for their scoring consistency, with players like Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright needing to step up. Despite challenges, Pochettino's appointment is seen as a significant opportunity for the team to improve and make a mark on the international stage. His approach reflects a balance between immediate results and long-term development for U.S. soccer.