Pochettino Leads U.S. to World Cup Last 16 as 54-Year-Old Argentine Embraces American Culture
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 5
Pochettino Leads U.S. to World Cup Last 16 as 54-Year-Old Argentine Embraces American Culture
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 5
Summary
Twenty-one months after taking over in 2024, Mauricio Pochettino has guided the USMNT into the World Cup round of 16 while becoming an unlikely public fit in the host country.
The 54-year-old Argentine said he remains “200% Argentino,” but players say his curiosity about American life and sports has helped him connect with a diverse squad and shape its identity.
From a Los Angeles Rams game to a 100,000-strong Ohio State-Texas crowd, Pochettino has drawn inspiration from U.S. sports culture, even citing the 1980 “Miracle” hockey team’s emphasis on the right players over the best players.
That embrace has become visible off the field too, with Pochettino learning “Country Roads,” leading “U-S-A” chants and throwing a near-strike ceremonial first pitch at a Seattle Mariners game on July 4.
The result is a coach who says he is still fully Argentine yet feels part of a larger American project as the U.S. pushes deeper into its home World Cup.
Is Pochettino’s cultural embrace a savvy PR move or the genuine key to unlocking the USMNT's potential on the world stage?
Can Pochettino's methods finally convert soccer's surging U.S. popularity into consistent success against global powerhouses?
Breaking Barriers: USMNT’s 2026 World Cup Run, Pochettino’s Revolution, and the Next Era of U.S. Soccer
Overview
The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) began a historic journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, playing on home soil under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who was hired after the team's disappointing Copa America group stage exit. Pochettino quickly unveiled a refreshed 26-man squad, facing high expectations and pressure from fans and media. The USMNT showed strong form in the group stage, energized by home advantage and Pochettino's leadership. This combination of a new coach, home support, and a determined squad has set the stage for a transformative World Cup campaign for American soccer.