Pochettino welcomes pressure from Trump and says USA can be the best soccer team in the world
Mauricio Pochettino predicts the United States can dominate soccer and Donald Trump will put pressure on him to deliver at next year's World Cup.
The U.S. men's national team coach believes it is only a matter of time before America leads the way in the world's most popular sport.
“I think we can dominate soccer, football, maybe in 10 or 15 years’ time, or maybe less: five, six, seven years. The potential is massive," Pochettino told English media. ”In five or 10 years, for sure we can be No1 in the world.”
Pochettino was hired last September to succeed Gregg Berhalter as coach and lead the country into the 2026 World Cup, which it co-hosts with Canada and Mexico.
Notably, the 53-year-old Argentinian, stopped short of saying his team could produce a shock victory at next year's tournament, but he believes with Trump as president, much will be expected of his team.
“For us, the pressure is going to be there because we are a host,” he said. “In sport, in everything that Americans are involved in, they want to win. The players know it’s going to be massive pressure and now our president (Trump) likes to put pressure on, but it’s welcome. That means we are going to feel the adrenaline we need to feel. We are ready to deliver.”
Pochettino might welcome that pressure, but he was uneasy with FIFA president Gianni Infantino's response when, on a recent White House visit, Trump asked him if the U.S. could win the World Cup.
“Gianni said yes, but I was disappointed with this answer,” he said. ”He should say: ‘You need to ask your great coach, Pochettino.’ Because for sure, he can give a better opinion."
___
James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Topics
-
Poch: USMNT can be world's best in 5 or 10 years
Mauricio Pochettino has said the U.S. men's national team can be the best in the world within "five or 10 years" due to the growth and investment in soccer in the country.ESPN - 16h -
Mauricio Pochettino: ‘In five or 10 years the US can be No 1 in the world’
Argentinian reveals the challenges of managing the US men’s national side, that he was never in consideration for the England job and how he would love a return to Spurs. Pressure? It comes with ...The Guardian - 1d -
USA coach Mauricio Pochettino says it would be 'big mistake' to talk politics ahead of Concacaf Nations League
The USA manager felt it was best to not focus on the political issues between the United States and the other participants, including Mexico and CanadaCBS Sports - 6h -
Tyler Adams returns to USMNT: Once wanted by Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea, new USA coach gets key piece back
Adams' return is a welcome one, and he figures to slide right into this team during Concacaf Nations League playCBS Sports - 1d -
With the 2026 World Cup near, Nations League finals kick off a series of 2025 'tests' in U.S.
The 2025 soccer calendar serves as both a dress rehearsal and a wake-up call for the Unites States that the World Cup is coming.Yahoo Sports - 6h -
Germany captain Kimmich: Nations League title important for World Cup
Germany captain Joshua Kimmich has said that winning the Nations League in June can help the team do well at next year's World Cup. Speaking to broadcasters ZDF on Saturday night ahead of a Nations ...Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Trump to lead task force for 2026 World Cup
President Donald Trump created a task force Friday to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, which will bring the globe's premier soccer tournament to North America.ESPN - Mar. 8 -
Pochettino open to Spurs return, not before '26 WC
Mauricio Pochettino has said he would be open to returning one day as Tottenham manager, but not before leading the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup.ESPN - 1d -
Azteca Stadium has changed its name ahead of its third men's World Cup next year
Azteca Stadium has been renamed Banorte Stadium before it hosts its third men's World Cup next year. Latin America's largest soccer stadium — 87,500 seats — has taken the name of one of Mexico's ...Yahoo Sports - 5d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
West Virginia's Baker is 'resilient' after NCAA Tournament snub and losing DeVries to Indiana
First, West Virginia was a surprising omission from the NCAA Tournament. Then, the Mountaineers lost their coach. It's been a lousy week for a school now facing its third men's basketball ...Yahoo Sports - 22m -
Report: Man Utd Among Six Clubs Tracking Championship Star
Jobe Bellingham’s Premier League Future: Manchester United and Rivals CircleManchester United are one of several Premier League clubs considering a move for Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham, ...Yahoo Sports - 23m -
The Mood In The Rangers Locker Room is ‘Intense’ With Eyes On The Playoffs
The New York Rangers’ 2-1 loss to the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night was inexcusable and there’s no doubt about that.Yahoo Sports - 24m -
Will Wade to become next North Carolina State men's basketball coach | Reports
Will Wade is set to become the next North Carolina State men's basketball coach after McNeese State's March Madness run is over, according to reports.Yahoo Sports - 24m -
Barca on track for women's Champions League semis after thumping Wolfsburg
Defending champions Barcelona are on track for the final four of the women's Champions League after a dominant 4-1 win in their quarter-final first leg at Wolfsburg on Wednesday. Later, Manchester ...Yahoo Sports - 26m
More in Sports
-
LSU football recruiting: Five-star prospect Tristen Keys commits as Tigers land No. 1 WR in 2026 class
Keys rates as the No. 1 wide receiver in the Class of 2026CBS Sports - 16m -
USMNT's Concacaf Nations League squad: Meet Mauricio Pochettino's team from Christian Pulisic to Diego Luna
These are the 23 players set to try and defend the title this weekCBS Sports - 20m -
Could Steelers trade George Pickens? Top landing spots for big-play WR if Pittsburgh decides to move on
Plenty of teams would probably be interested in acquiring PickensCBS Sports - 21m -
2025 Valspar Championship predictions, betting picks: Will Zalatoris among longshots to target at Copperhead
SportsLine's model simulated the 2025 Valspar Championship 10,000 times and revealed its PGA Tour longshotsCBS Sports - 21m -
West Virginia's Baker is 'resilient' after NCAA Tournament snub and losing DeVries to Indiana
First, West Virginia was a surprising omission from the NCAA Tournament. Then, the Mountaineers lost their coach. It's been a lousy week for a school now facing its third men's basketball ...Yahoo Sports - 22m