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The USMNT shifts focus to the FIFA World Cup 2026 after its CONCACAF Gold Cup loss to Mexico in the final as players reconvene in September.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino has instilled a no-nonsense attitude for the Americans, who needed five-straight wins to reach the Gold Cup final only to fall short.
USMNT SHIFTS FOCUS TO WORLD CUP AS PLAYERS UNDERSTAND ‘CULTURE’ POCHETTINO WANTS
The USMNT shifts focus to the World Cup, with players starting to understand the “culture” Pochettino wants instilled in them.
Even though they absorbed a 1-2 loss to Mexico in the Gold Cup final at Houston’s NRG Stadium on Sunday, the Americans showed resiliency throughout the tournament.
Midfielder Tyler Adams realizes Pochettino wants full commitment to his players.
“It has to translate right away, or I think Mauricio (Pochettino) just probably won’t call people in,” Adams said.
The fact that Pochettino whipped this team coming off four-straight losses before joining the Gold Cup and still reaching the final spoke volumes of the coach’s grit to his team.
POCHETTINO MOLDS MLS-LED USMNT TO GOLD CUP FINAL AMID PULISIC, EUROPEAN-BASED PLAYERS’ ABSENCE
Pochettino molded a Major League Soccer (MLS)-led USMNT to the Gold Cup final before El Tri dismantled them before their home fans.
Despite going short-handed, the 53-year-old Argentinian manager steered a lineup led by Tyler Adams, Tim Ream, Malik Tillman, and Chris Richards to respectability.
However, the return of star Christian Pulisic and USMNT’s Europe-based players may change the dynamics of the squad.
On the other hand, Ream observed that Pochettino’s “old-school” approach would benefit USMNT’s toughness a year before the World Cup.
“I think we understand what the standard is now. We understand what we need to do on and off the field,” Ream said.
“We understand what kind of culture is wanted from us. It took a little bit longer than it probably should have,” he added.
FOUR USMNT PLAYERS LIKELY HEADED FOR MAJOR TRANSFERS BEFORE WORLD CUP
Another challenge Pochettino and USMNT will have to deal with is the prospect of some of its players linked to major transfers in Europe.
On the other hand, getting their commitment to return to USMNT and split time with their new teams would be interesting for these players.
For one, Malik Tillman continues to be linked to 2024 Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.
This came after the 23-year-old midfielder played for three seasons for PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands.
Another player who might be on the move, Sports Illustrated reported, is Patrick Agyemang.
Agyemang could shift jerseys from Charlotte FC in MLS to English Championship side Derby County.
Additionally, recent USMNT call-up Damion Downs may be changing teams from FC Cologne to Southampton in the Premier League.
Consequently, Leeds United is just one of four squads interested in Timothy Weah.
The 25-year-old rightback is reportedly being shopped around by Juventus this summer.
Visit our FIFA World Cup 2026 website for more football news and other updates.
