Mauricio Pochettino, Team USA coach, tries to take the pressure off of his players: “When you feel happy, you perform”

As one of the host nations for the 2026 World Cup, the USMNT have been under pressure to deliver ever since their place was confirmed. That feeling has only intensified since December’s draw, which paired them with Paraguay, Australia, and the winner of a UEFA playoff between Turkey and Kosovo.

As the old cliché goes, there are no easy games at a World Cup. Even so, Mauricio Pochettino’s team will feel they could have been handed a much tougher group. That reality has only raised expectations further, with American fans growing increasingly confident about reaching the knockout stage.

A favorable draw, rising expectations

The USMNT, somewhat ironically, defeated both Paraguay and Australia in fall friendlies as part of a five-match unbeaten run that included four wins.

With less than three months until the tournament begins, preparations now ramp up with high-profile friendlies against Belgium on March 28 and Portugal on March 31. Both opponents represent a significant step up in quality and could test the United States’ recent momentum.

Pochettino: Pressure belongs to the staff

Ahead of those games, Pochettino acknowledged that pressure exists but made clear he wants his players free of its weight.

“There’s pressure for us, the coaching staff,” the Argentine told reporters Friday. “But we want to see our players perform, sending good energy, but not to create something where you say ‘it’s a tragedy if you lose.’

“Because when you’re free, you perform. When you feel happy, you perform. You don’t need to feel the pressure. Because the pressure is a thing that, if you don’t deal perfectly with it, it can be heavy.”

Pulisic embraces pressure

Pochettino may want to shield his squad, but Christian Pulisic admits the pressure is real ahead of a home World Cup. For the AC Milan star, though, that is part of the appeal.

“There’s pressure. It’s a World Cup,” Pulisic said before facing Belgium. “I wouldn’t want to be in any other position. I’m so lucky, I feel privileged to be in this position.

“It’s there, but it’s nothing that I can’t handle,” the former Chelsea attacker added. “I’m going to attack it head on. We are as a team. I don’t need to do it by myself. That’s the beauty of it.”

The real pressure begins against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12. What kind of shape will the U.S. be in by then?

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