Mauricio Pochettino has urged his United States squad to stay relaxed ahead of their 2026 World Cup opener against Paraguay, drawing on advice from a World Cup-winning friend. The manager confirmed all 26 players are available for selection as the team prepares for their tournament debut on home soil.
Reflecting on a challenging preparation period, which included a fourth-place finish at the 2025 Concacaf Nations League and heavy friendly defeats to Belgium and Portugal, Pochettino emphasised the importance of maintaining a confident demeanour. “I think we try to be very professional in every single aspect of our preparation by creating a very good atmosphere where the player can feel comfortable,” he said.
Midfielder Tyler Adams highlighted the squad’s strong bond, noting that many players are making their World Cup debuts. “The connection hasn’t wavered,” Adams said. “You get more fresh faces in, it adds a little bit of a different energy and vibe.” The team’s cohesion was evident in a viral moment watching the New York Knicks’ comeback win, with Adams among the Knicks fans in the squad.
Pochettino said he has already decided his starting lineup but is keeping it confidential. He believes the players need no extra motivation, stating, “If you know the mindset of the player, they need before the game to get to their best. They need motivation and speech when they go to train. Tomorrow is late.”
The US aim to top Group D, with defender Chris Richards setting ambitions to be “the top dog”. Adams dismissed thoughts of a third-place finish, saying, “Definitely not thinking about third place, that’s for sure.” Pochettino concluded: “They need to think tomorrow and play like they are a child – with no pressure, with no responsibility.”
