Pochettino Faces Trump Pressure for World Cup Success

Mauricio Pochettino, coach of the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team, believes America has the potential to dominate global soccer within the next decade and feels the pressure from President Donald Trump to deliver at the upcoming World Cup. Pochettino, who succeeded Gregg Berhalter last September, acknowledges the cultural expectation for victory in the U.S. and sees hosting the World Cup as an opportunity to harness this winning mentality. He welcomed the pressure from Trump, likening it to the adrenaline needed for success and noted the planned opening of a National Training Centre in Atlanta as crucial for the team's development. Despite the challenges, Pochettino remains optimistic, although he was disappointed with FIFA president Gianni Infantino's assurance to Trump about winning the World Cup, suggesting a more nuanced response should have been directed to him as the coach. The U.S., Canada, and Mexico are set to co-host the World Cup next year, and Pochettino hopes this will be a transformative period for American soccer.