Pochettino's Big Bet: Belief and Team Spirit Drive USMNT's World Cup Plan

11 Jun 2026

Mauricio Pochettino was hired in September 2024 to deliver a game-changing showing from the United States at a home World Cup, and the Argentine has built his project around belief, chemistry and collective spirit as much as tactics. Goalkeeper Matt Freese, who went from his first cap to likely starter within a year, says the coach's emphasis on teamwork and standing up for teammates has inspired the squad. The approach faces its first real test on Friday when the USMNT open against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium.