USMNT Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino has been busy sprinkling some Argentine magic on a team full of talent. How far does he think it can go in the 2026 World Cup?
What are your minimum expectations going into the tournament?
Coach Mauricio Pochettino: Winning. I come from Argentina, and it is in our blood. I know it’s going to be difficult, but our mentality has to be about winning every single game and competing without fear.
Does that mean you think you can win the tournament?
It’s important to believe that we can compete. And then, with our quality, we need to be intelligent in the way we set up the side to take on the big teams. It depends on many factors, but the mentality has to be positive. That is the culture we are creating in the Federation, and we are very happy about how it’s going.
Are you fixed on a style and formation, or will your approach be fluid?
Gareth Cattermole – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
The philosophy and style is never going to change. But yes, we are going to use different formations. We have been using different formations ahead of the tournament to try and give the team the flexibility to perform based on the characteristics of the players. It’s important to provide formations they feel comfortable with, and that fit the way that we want to play. We need to work out how we want to damage our opponent and how we can stop them from damaging us.
What did you make of last summer’s Club World Cup here?
It showed how good the World Cup is going to be, because the people in America have the capacity to put on this type of event. Having the Club World Cup helped them learn how to make it even better this summer.
Are Argentina the favorites to defend their title?
Argentina are the best team in the world today. It won’t be easy for them to win another World Cup — two in a row is always difficult — but they are very solid and consistent. They have some amazing players, and with Messi, they are even better.
Will this be Messi’s last major tournament with Argentina?
It’s difficult to say. He said it’s the last one, but I don’t know. We’ll see, because he’s still in great form. When you watch the MLS, he is scoring goals in every single game. So we’ll see.
For you personally, what does success at the World Cup look like?
For me, being successful is getting to the final in New York. We are going to go into every game thinking that we can win, regardless of who we play, whether it’s Argentina, England, or Spain. “If we believe, anything is possible.”
—Ben Jacobs, GiveMeSport.com
TV Guide Magazine’s 2026 World Cup Preview Special Issue is available for order online now at worldcup.tvgm2026.com and for purchase on newsstands nationwide.
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