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HomeSportPochettino's Task: Elevating Soccer's Place in America

Pochettino’s Task: Elevating Soccer’s Place in America

 

 

No pressure, Mauricio Pochettino. The stakes are just soccer’s position in the U.S.


It’s clear why U.S. Soccer was eager to invest heavily in Mauricio Pochettino.

 

This isn’t merely about securing an elite coach for the U.S. men’s national team ahead of their home World Cup in 2026, although preparing for that tournament is Pochettino’s primary role and his track record speaks volumes.

It’s about generating excitement for what might be the most significant moment for soccer in America—a tournament that could greatly increase interest in the sport and significantly reshape the talent pool. It’s crucial to inspire enthusiasm in a nation where many kids start playing soccer, but few continue into their teenage years, leaving the domestic league relatively obscure.

It’s about proving to everyone at home and abroad that the U.S. takes soccer as seriously as it does the NFL, NBA, and college football.

“It’s about creating something special,” Pochettino stated during his introductory press gathering in New York City on Friday. “We are here because we want to win. We are winners. We have a highly successful coaching staff. But the ultimate goal is to build something extraordinary.”

 

It’s been three decades since the U.S. last hosted the men’s World Cup, and the progress since then is remarkable. The U.S. men’s national team’s failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup drew widespread attention and concern, a far cry from the apathy surrounding earlier decades.

Now, American players are making waves in some of Europe’s top clubs, not just sitting on the sidelines but actively participating.

 

Moreover, there’s now a soccer culture that wasn’t present in 1994. Major League Soccer has varied success across different cities, yet the league is stable as it enters its fourth decade. These days, tuning into the Premier League in the U.S. can often be easier than in England.

 

However, soccer’s growth has also plateaued in the U.S.

A nation of this size should be able to produce countless elite players, yet the most talented athletes still tend to gravitate toward football, basketball, and baseball as they reach adolescence. The pay-to-play model in youth soccer contributes to this issue. MLS is closer in quality to Europe’s second- and third-tier leagues than it is to the EPL, Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1, or Serie A.

A strong performance in 2026, when the U.S. co-hosts an expanded World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, could revitalized soccer’s presence in American sports culture. This resurgence would have a ripple effect, influencing participation rates, game attendance, and viewership ratings.

 

If the U.S. men’s national team underperforms, it could relegate soccer to a permanent niche in American culture. Recent disappointing results this summer, despite having a so-called golden generation of players, raised doubts about their readiness for 2026.

Hiring Pochettino sends a clear message to everyone involved.

The Argentine is known for his exceptional motivational skills and tactical intelligence. More importantly, he garners immediate respect. Similar to when Emma Hayes began her role with the U.S. women’s national team this spring, the players will no longer hold the top credentials in the locker room.

 

Having coached high-caliber players in Europe, including leading Tottenham to a Champions League final and winning a league title with Paris Saint-Germain, Pochettino’s experience commands respect. If elite players like Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappé can learn from him, so can the USMNT players.

“The talent is there. The potential exists,” Pochettino remarked on Friday. “My role is to create the optimal environment for them to shine.”

 

With less than two years until the World Cup kicks off, there are limited competitive matches on the horizon. As co-hosts, the U.S. team is automatically qualified. However, Pochettino is not intimidated by the task at hand.

There’s sufficient time to instill his philosophy and for the players to adapt to his system. There’s ample opportunity to transform a culture where some members have become complacent and entitled. There’s time to ignite the passion of the American public like never before.

“We need to wholeheartedly believe in achieving significant goals,” Pochettino emphasized. “We need to know we can win. We can win not just games, but the World Cup.”

“Belief is an incredibly powerful concept. You can have immense talent and be smart, but in football, belief is essential. If we can unite in this conviction, I am confident we can attain our aspirations.”

 

If that indeed occurs, Pochettino will undoubtedly justify the investment made in him.

Stay connected with YSL News Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.