Pochettino wants belief — can the USMNT turn it into World Cup success?

On September 13, 2024, Mauricio Pochettino arrived in New York in a blue suit with a U.S. Soccer pin and a clear message: "We need to really believe and think of big things. We need to believe that we can win, that we can win all [of the] games. We can win the World Cup." Now, on the eve of that tournament, his moment has arrived.

He says he believes in this USMNT — but will everyone else? Pochettino’s own World Cup memories are mixed; his 2002 experience with Argentina remains a defining disappointment. His coaching career since — from Espanyol and Southampton to Tottenham, PSG and Chelsea — led him to the U.S., where the federation wanted not just tactics but an ambassador to help American soccer catch up quickly after a poor Copa America showing in 2024.

The early days were a blend of hope and chaos: an opening 2-0 win over Panama in Austin was followed by a loss to Mexico, then victories over Jamaica, Venezuela and Costa Rica.

United States, New York

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