Mauricio Pochettino, who joined as USMNT coach in 2024, suggested in March that the USA could win the World Cup, a statement that drew widespread skepticism at the time.
The team has responded with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay and a 2-0 win over Australia in their first two group matches, already securing top spot in Group D with 6 points and knockout-stage qualification.
USA forward Tim Weah said Pochettino 'brings that South American spirit that we've been missing' and praised the coach's ability to shift the team from 'always being the good guys' to 'being the aggressor.'
Inside Pochettino's hotel office, he has posted 'why not us?' alongside 'believe, work, compete' and 'now is our time!' — a marked contrast to previous USA teams focused on avoiding mistakes rather than pursuing silverware.
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