Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT: Facing Old Challenges

Mauricio Pochettino is, no doubt, a big name. The guy made waves in the Premier League with Tottenham and had a good run at PSG in France. Now, he’s stepping into the U.S. Men’s National Team with the task of more than just a touch-up; it’s a full-on revamp. American fans are hyped, and with the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, no one’s got time to wait and see if the new coach is up for the job.

The Argentine, known for his tactical acumen and for pulling off miracles with European clubs, is stepping into the international soccer scene for the first time. Expectations? Sky-high. U.S. Soccer brought in a coach who knows his stuff and seems ready to put all his experience to work to turn this team into a winning machine. But the million-dollar question is: will his formula work here?

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Pochettino called up 25 players for his first go-round. It’s a solid mix of veterans like Christian Pulisic, who's been around the national team block, and younger guys looking to make their mark. Plus, there are plenty of players from top European leagues, showing that the squad means business. But, let’s be real—it doesn’t matter how good the lineup looks on paper; that guarantees squat when it comes to game time.

And speaking of a little magic, this debut won’t be a cakewalk. Right off the bat, he faces Panama on October 12 in Austin, Texas, and then Mexico in Guadalajara. Nothing like kicking off the new era with a regional classic to test the new boss, right? Mexico is the U.S.’s biggest rival in the Americas, and beating them on their turf would be the perfect start. On the flip side, a loss? Oh boy, the criticism will hit like a tsunami.

Here’s the irony of it all. Pochettino, who’s gone toe-to-toe with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Messi in Europe, now has to deal with the pressure of beating traditional rivals in the Americas. And trust me, if he screws up, U.S. fans won’t cut him any slack. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, everyone wants to see the USMNT become a feared team, not just that underdog that puts up a fight but never quite wins it all.

So, what can we expect from this new phase? Well, Pochettino is known for building well-organized teams with solid defense and creative offense. This could be the perfect recipe for the U.S., which has historically struggled with finding a clear playing style. He’s already mentioned using flexible formations like 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3, showing he’s willing to experiment and find the right balance. On paper, it sounds great. But will the players adapt quickly to the Argentine's style?

The coach also has to deal with the infamous “form rollercoaster” of players. Up front, for example, Pulisic is flying high at Milan, while Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi are killing it in their leagues. But, as everyone knows, club performance doesn’t always translate to national team success. Plus, there are players still finding their place on the international stage, like Gianluca Busio and Zack Steffen. It’s a young squad, with an average age of 25, which is both good and bad. Good because youth brings energy and drive. Bad because inexperience can backfire under pressure.

Let's give some credit to Pochettino, though. The guy’s no fool. He knows the clock’s ticking until the 2026 World Cup, and he’s not gonna waste the chance to do what he does best. His arrival marks the start of a new era for American soccer. And hey, he’s off on the right foot in terms of communication. The Argentine’s made it clear he’ll keep regular contact with players, not just the ones currently in the squad but also those with potential for the future. Smart strategy, showing he's committed to building a strong team with a long-term vision.

On the other hand, let’s stay grounded here. Can Pochettino turn the USMNT into a global powerhouse? Maybe. Or maybe not.

And that’s the real test for Pochettino. He’s not just building a team to win a few games. He’s dealing with the American dream of being a world soccer power. The pressure is massive, and every misstep will be dissected by the media and fans alike. More than just wins, Pochettino needs to instill a new mentality in the squad, a mindset that says they’re not just competing.

GOALKEEPERS (4): Ethan Horvath (Cardiff City/WAL; 9/0), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; 2/0), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids; 29/0), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/ENG; 45/0)

DEFENDERS (8): Marlon Fossey (Standard Liege; 1/0), Kristoffer Lund (Palermo/ITA; 5/0), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA; 14/0), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 62/1), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 46/4), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati; 29/3), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach/GER; 12/0), Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO; 2/0)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG; 44/8), Gianluca Busio (Venezia/ITA; 13/1), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/ESP; 17/0), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 56/11), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough/ENG; 7/0), Yunus Musah (AC Milan/ITA; 41/0), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 14/0)

FORWARDS (6): Folarin Balogun (Monaco/FRA; 17/5), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven; 30/10), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA; 73/31), Josh Sargent (Norwich City/ENG; 25/5), Timothy Weah (Juventus/ITA; 41/6), Haji Wright (Coventry City/ENG; 13/4)