Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that the United States men's national team does not have any players ranked in the world's top 100, as he prepares the co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup. The Argentinian coach, who took charge in September 2024, acknowledged the challenge of building a competitive side from a player pool that lacks elite individual talent.
Speaking in an interview, Pochettino said: 'No one sees the US as a contender. But you analyse other World Cups and think: why not? Being hosts can create synergy with the people, a support players feel. Let it give us the freedom to fly.' He added that the team's current standing reflects the sport's position in American culture, where football competes with baseball, basketball and American football.
The former Tottenham and Chelsea manager noted that the US federation has worked to unify MLS, universities and colleges, but the country still lacks a deep football culture. 'The first gift an Argentinian gets is a football; here, it's a baseball bat, a basketball, an oval ball,' he said. 'Changing that's not today or tomorrow.'
Pochettino also highlighted the impact of Lionel Messi's arrival in MLS, saying it has brought belief to players who now compete against the world's best. However, he stressed that the USMNT remains a work in progress, with no players in the global top 100 rankings. The team will rely on collective spirit and home advantage to defy expectations in 2026.
