Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the U.S. men’s national soccer team, discusses the challenges of staying politically neutral as a public figure. While he empathizes with various injustices, he emphasizes the need to focus on his responsibilities as a coach, ensuring his players remain concentrated on their performance. He downplays speculation linking him back to Tottenham, affirming his commitment to the U.S. team as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

By the Numbers
  • Pochettino's contract with the U.S. team runs until after the 2026 World Cup.
  • The U.S. will begin World Cup play on June 12 against Paraguay.
State of Play
  • Pochettino is focused on preparing the U.S. team for friendlies against Belgium and Portugal.
  • He will finalize the World Cup squad after preparation matchups with Senegal and Germany.
What's Next

The U.S. team is looking to secure a strong performance in the upcoming World Cup, with Pochettino emphasizing a winning mentality rather than merely advancing through stages.

Bottom Line

Pochettino aims to balance his empathetic stance on social issues with his role as a coach, focusing on team performance ahead of their World Cup debut.