Sharing with the media before the US team's training session in Irvine (California), the Argentine strategist emphasized that the most important factor for the team at this time is belief.
The US is competing with teams like Belgium or Portugal. I think Belgium and Portugal definitely have a few players in the Top 100 in the world. But we don't," coach Pochettino said.
According to the list of 100 best players of 2025, no US player is included. Christian Pulisic is the representative with the highest ranking when ranked 116th, while Tim Weah ranked 183rd.
However, coach Pochettino believes that football is not only decided by personal reputation. The 54-year-old coach continuously conveys messages about aspiration and confidence to his students before the 2026 World Cup.
Why not us? We need to really believe that we can do it. We need to dare to dream," he emphasized.
The message of the former Chelsea coach quickly received agreement from the US national team players. Former striker Jozy Altidore believes that the ability of US football is not inferior to the world's top teams.
“I think we are as talented as them. Maybe I am a dreamer, but I believe it and the players also believe it. So why not us?”, Altidore said.
Meanwhile, captain Christian Pulisic affirmed that the US team is not affected by external assessments.
We do this for ourselves and for our country. We don't need to prove anything to anyone. We have good players, playing for top clubs in the world. The whole team will prove America is strong," the AC Milan striker shared.
However, history at the World Cup does not favor the US team. Their best achievement is third place at the 1930 World Cup. Since 2002, the Stars and Stripes team has only won once in the World Cup knockout round when they defeated Mexico to enter the quarterfinals.
The 2026 World Cup will be held in the US, Canada and Mexico. With home advantage, the US team is expected to create a surprise under coach Mauricio Pochettino.
