Mauricio Pochettino's start as head coach of the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) has faced challenges that both he and fans would prefer to avoid. However, a promising run in this summer's Gold Cup could signify a turning point. A victory against Mexico in the final on Sunday would not only secure a trophy but also help instill some much-needed confidence in the squad. This win is crucial for Pochettino and his players as they aim to show tangible progress ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
As the US prepares for the 2026 World Cup, clarity in their preparations should have been established by now. Unfortunately, the foundation laid by Pochettino since his appointment in September 2024 feels unfinished and rocky. Questions arose regarding the former Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain boss after consecutive defeats to Panama and Canada in the Nations League finals, as well as losses to Turkey and Switzerland in warm-up matches for the Gold Cup. Although these were friendly matches, their outcomes raised concerns among USMNT fans, as they reflect the type of competition expected in the World Cup.
With less than a year until the World Cup and only one more competitive game scheduled, the situation could easily provoke last-minute panic. A lack of consistency in both player selection and match results has contributed to this uncertainty. Pochettino's squad appears unresolved, with the call-ups varying from camp to camp—something largely beyond his control. In total, 55 players have represented the US under Pochettino in the past 10 months, complicating efforts to build team chemistry and continuity.
The Gold Cup serves as the Concacaf equivalent of the Euros and Copa America. The upcoming final against Mexico is the last competitive match for the US before the World Cup, underscoring the urgency surrounding the event. Despite missing key players, Pochettino's side has shown promise throughout the tournament, and their presence in the final reflects significant progress. Although the current squad may differ from what will start in Inglewood next June, this experience has fostered valuable bonds among the players involved.
Due to factors such as injuries and the Club World Cup, several prominent names are absent from the squad, including Antonee Robinson from Fulham, Juventus players Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah, and AC Milan's Christian Pulisic. Pulisic's choice to rest this summer instead of participating in the Gold Cup has sparked controversy, especially given the team's preparations for the World Cup. Nevertheless, the players available have worked hard to form a cohesive unit, showcasing determination and skill as the tournament has progressed.
Among the standout performers, Diego Luna has emerged as a player capable of filling a gap in the US midfield. The 21-year-old playmaker from Real Salt Lake has made a significant impact in the Gold Cup. In goal, Matt Freese from New York City FC has taken the lead over Matt Turner and has made a strong case for inclusion in the World Cup squad. Freese's penalty shootout heroics against Costa Rica in the quarter-final highlighted his potential for the upcoming tournament.
Other players, such as midfielder Jack McGlynn, who considered representing the Republic of Ireland, and Malik Tillman of Bayer Leverkusen, have also made notable contributions. Chris Richards, a defender from Crystal Palace, has strengthened his claim for a starting position in the center-back role. Regardless of the outcome against Mexico, the Gold Cup has been a valuable experience for the USMNT, but there remains an argument that it needed to yield even more.
Pochettino understands the significance of creating a connection between the fans and the team, especially as they approach the 2026 World Cup. Research from Soccer America indicates that group-stage attendances have dropped compared to previous editions of the Gold Cup. Factors such as competing events like the Club World Cup, the absence of star players, and ticket pricing have likely impacted turnout. Nonetheless, the semi-final match against Guatemala was sold out, illustrating that fans are still eager to support their team.
The upcoming clash with Mexico poses a significant challenge reminiscent of previous failures against Turkey and Switzerland. This match will not consider the competition's profile or the strength of the squad; it is solely about securing the trophy. A victory would meet expectations and demonstrate resilience, even with several key players absent. Conversely, a loss could reignite pre-World Cup anxieties among fans and stakeholders alike.
