Mauricio Pochettino Guides USMNT to World Cup Milestones

On July 1, 2026 the United States beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32, its first knockout win since 2002. Group-stage wins over Paraguay and Australia gave the USMNT first place in Group D – only the third group-top finish. The win sets up a Round of 16 clash with Belgium, but leading scorer Folarin Balogun will miss the match after a red card.

Mauricio Pochettino Becomes Winningest USMNT Manager in FIFA World Cup

Mauricio Pochettino, born in Murphy, Argentina, earned 20 caps and played in the 2002 World Cup. After club spells with Newell’s Old Boys, Espanyol, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, he began coaching in 2009, later leading Southampton, Tottenham, PSG and Chelsea. U.S. Soccer hired him in August 2024, replacing Gregg Berhalter. His $6.04 million annual salary makes him the highest-paid U.S. coach and third-highest paid national-team manager worldwide, funded partly by donors Ken Griffin and Scott Goodwin.

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Pochettino has embraced American culture, citing country music, Chick-fil-A and John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” which he sings after wins. He coined mantras “Why Not Us?” and “We want to touch the moon.” Fans responded with chants, a “Russell Crowe” comparison, and a first-pitch appearance at a Seattle Mariners game, highlighting his popularity.

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The USMNT has scored 10 goals in four games, with six different scorers and two own goals. It has kept two clean sheets, second only to Spain and Mexico. Goalkeeper Matt Freese made three saves against Bosnia; defenders Tim Ream and Chris Richards anchored defense. Balogun had three goals before suspension; Malik Tillman added a free-kick winner against Bosnia.

Mauricio Pochettino Becomes Winningest USMNT Manager in FIFA World Cup

After the Bosnia win, Pochettino thanked fans: “Thank you to the fans, they were amazing one more time. We are so proud.” Tim Ream said the squad had “full belief before the whistle blew.” Pochettino also expressed confidence that belief can turn into victory, pledged respect for Belgium and urged his squad to perform.

Mauricio Pochettino Becomes Winningest USMNT Manager in FIFA World Cup

Pochettino argued Balogun’s dismissal “was never a red card,” calling it an accidental foot-step. FIFA upheld the sending-off, enforcing a suspension for the Belgium match and stating no appeal is allowed. The coach’s view and FIFA’s decision thus diverge.

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• “When that song starts to, you know, the sound in the stadium, it's impossible not to sing,” — Mauricio Pochettino

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• “He's kind of changed the culture of everything that we have here in U.S. soccer.” — Tyler Adams

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• “I think football is possible if you believe,” — Mauricio Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino Becomes Winningest USMNT Manager in FIFA World Cup

• “I think that sort of stuff can only happen in America. So, I’m very, very proud,” — Folarin Balogun

USA Coach Mauricio Pochettino To Throw Out First Pitch At Seattle Mariners Game

The United States meets ninth-ranked Belgium on July 6 at Seattle’s Lumen Field. With Balogun suspended, Pochettino must choose between Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright up front. He pledged to respect Belgium, use home-field support, and “perform well” to keep the historic run alive.

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