Mauricio Pochettino knows that, as one of the host teams, and with one of the best generations in the history of American soccer, expectations are high. Probably the highest for the Stars and Stripes.
The team has embraced those high expectations, using them as fuel to form a winning mentality. At least that’s the idea conveyed by coach Mauricio Pochettino after a conversation with president Donald Trump, in which he said the team can compete for the title in the tournament to be played in North America.
Gregg Berhalter reacts to Mauricio Pochettino’s comments
The comments quickly generated reactions in the soccer world, and one of those who reacted was Gregg Berhalter, current coach of the Chicago Fire and former coach of the USMNT.
The American coach did not hesitate to support the ambition of the national team’s new strategist. During a press conference before the Chicago Fire match against Columbus Crew in MLS, Berhalter was asked about Pochettino’s comments and his response 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 that we can win it
The former coach explained that having that confidence is fundamental when a team enters such a demanding competition as the World Cup.
“Why actually anything is possible. In theory we can beat any team in the world” added an optimistic Berhalter.
The conversation between Pochettino and Trump
The comments that generated the reaction came from a story that Pochettino himself shared recently.
The Argentine coach said that during the 2026 World Cup draw he had a brief encounter with Donald Trump, who asked him directly about the US team’s chances.
According to Pochettino‘s account, Donald Trump asked him directly if the team would have a chance of winning the 2026 World Cup, to which Pochettino categorically replied: “Of course, Mr. President“.
Pochettino explained that this response reflects the sporting philosophy he wants to build within the team.
Because this is the United States. The American dream is here. American culture is about being first, being number one
The real possibilities for the USMNT to be world champions
In sporting terms, the USMNT arrives at the World Cup with positive signs, as the team is on a five-match unbeaten run and has 14 wins in its last 22 international matches, results that have increased optimism among supporters. Some of these victories have even been against top teams such as Uruguay and Paraguay
He also seems to have left behind the discontent with figures such as Pulisic and McKennie, so United States has a real chance of success in the 2026 World Cup. However, the goal of being world champion seems to belong to teams with better squads such as Spain, France, Argentina or Portugal, although in soccer anything can happen.
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