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Pochettino and Pulisic face World Cup pressure as USMNT prepare
Mauricio Pochettino says his Argentina World Cup past helps him manage expectations as the USMNT train in Atlanta ahead of friendlies with Belgium and Portugal and prepare for the 2026 tournament.
Mar 28th 2026 · United States
Insights
- Mauricio Pochettino draws on his Argentina World Cup experience to stress belief and reduce pressure.
- The USMNT trained in Atlanta ahead of friendlies against Belgium and Portugal with players reportedly in good spirits.
- Captain Christian Pulisic is the program's highest-profile player and says he feels pressure but is prepared and supported by the team.
- Pochettino, the highest-paid coach in US soccer history, is under strong expectation to build a squad that can contend at the 2026 home World Cup.
Sources
- Sudden center-back shortage offers USMNT a chance to try World Cup-style adjustments www.theguardian.com
- Pochettino ‘suffering two months in advance’ as USMNT faces midfield headache www.theguardian.com
- Pochettino, Pulisic and the pressure of the USMNT’s World Cup moment www.theguardian.com
- Does the U.S. have a chance in the World Cup? 2 important games will provide clues www.npr.org