Jozy Altidore makes his feelings clear on the future of Pochettino and the USMNT

The 2026 World Cup is over. Attention now shifts back to MLS and the Leagues Cup, but for former U.S. international Jozy Altidore, the tournament’s biggest legacy won’t be measured by attendance records or television ratings.

Speaking after the World Cup, the former U.S. men’s national team striker reflected on Spain’s triumph, Mauricio Pochettino’s future and the long-term challenge facing soccer in the United States. While he believes the tournament has created unprecedented momentum, he argues that the country’s relationship with the sport still needs to evolve.

“The most important thing is that we’re finally on the right path,” Altidore said. “This World Cup made that very clear.”

“What a final. What a month of soccer,” he said. “Spain controlled games with its possession and style, while Argentina always had the quality to score at emotional moments.” On Sunday they couldn’t, and that wasn’t a surprise to me. Spain was the best team in the tournament. Tactically and technically they were better than everyone else. They deserved to be champions.

The title also carried personal meaning. Altidore began his European career with Villarreal and later played for Xerez, giving him strong ties to Spanish soccer.

“I spoke with some of my old teammates from Villarreal like Marcos Senna, Carlos Marchena and Joan Capdevila. I played against David Villa countless times. It was a really special moment because that’s where my professional career truly began."

Despite record television audiences during the World Cup, including huge numbers for the United States’ game against Belgium, Altidore believes popularity alone is not enough.

“There’s still a lot missing,” he admitted. “Soccer has to be in your blood. It has to be part of everything you do.”Right now, too many players grow up in a pay-to-play system. We have to find kids for whom soccer is their whole life.

He argued that many of America’s best future players will come from communities where opportunities are limited, rather than traditional development pathways.

“The game is in those neighborhoods where there isn’t much money. The United States is a huge country, so fixing that isn’t easy. I’m sure U.S. Soccer and MLS are looking for solutions."

Altidore also backed Mauricio Pochettino to remain as head coach after guiding the United States through the World Cup.

“He was honest with the fans,” Altidore said. “He told everyone we have something special, but we have to keep working. We have to change the mentality of our players, our leagues and our structure if we want to compete with the best.”

For Altidore, retaining a coach with elite European experience is essential.

"Pochettino has to stay. And if he doesn’t, the federation has to hire someone at the same level. We can’t lower our standards if we want to become a true soccer nation."

With MLS resuming and the Leagues Cup about to begin, Altidore sees the competition as a valuable opportunity for clubs in the United States and Mexico to continue learning from each other.

“The mentality of Mexican players is different. They play like their lives depend on it,” he said. “At the same time, the professionalism and structure in MLS are incredible.” Both leagues can improve by sharing what each does well.

He also wants to see more MLS clubs playing in Mexico, believing uncomfortable environments are exactly what American players need.

“You improve when you’re outside your comfort zone. I’d like to see more games in Mexico, more preseason tours and more opportunities to experience different kinds of soccer."

Asked who could win this year’s Leagues Cup, Altidore pointed to contenders on both sides of the border.

“I’d love to see Inter Miami win because I hope Messi comes back energized after the World Cup. But Mexican clubs like América, Tigres and Rayados always have the quality to compete."

Finally, Altidore welcomed the arrivals of Robert Lewandowski and Antoine Griezmann in MLS, saying global stars remain vital to the league’s continued growth.

“It’s important for the kids,” he said. “Having players like Griezmann around is invaluable.” I’d also love to see Liga MX attract players of that caliber because it would make both leagues, and the Leagues Cup, even stronger.

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