Pochettino Blasts US Soccer's 80 Million-Latino Blind Spot as 2026 World Cup Nears
Updated
Updated · EL PAÍS USA · Jun 11
Pochettino Blasts US Soccer's 80 Million-Latino Blind Spot as 2026 World Cup Nears
3 articles · Updated · EL PAÍS USA · Jun 11
Summary
Mauricio Pochettino said U.S. soccer suffers from "arrogance" and "confusion," arguing expectations to win are detached from the country's actual football culture and development level.
The 54-year-old coach said the United States wants instant results despite lacking the childhood bond with the ball that produces elite players in Argentina, Brazil, Spain and England.
He also attacked structural incentives in American sport, saying MLS clubs face too little competitive pressure without promotion, relegation or broader consequences for losing.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Pochettino said his job is to protect players from U.S. political polarization and channel pressure into unity, while still insisting the team can compete.