Mauricio Pochettino’s Vision for USMNT: A Path to Global Dominance
March 18, 2025, 01:25 PM ET
In a bold and optimistic statement, Mauricio Pochettino, the current head coach of the U.S. men’s national team (USMNT), has expressed his belief that the team could become the best in the world within the next “five or 10 years.” This ambitious prediction is rooted in the increasing investment in soccer across the United States, a country traditionally dominated by other sports.
Pochettino, who took the reins of the USMNT last September, is no stranger to high-pressure situations. With the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the stakes are higher than ever. The USMNT’s historical best finish at a World Cup was a semifinal place in the inaugural 1930 edition, and in more recent times, a quarterfinal exit in 2002. Pochettino is determined to surpass these achievements.
One of the key factors fueling Pochettino’s optimism is the recent announcement by the U.S. Soccer Federation regarding the construction of a new national training center in Atlanta. This project is partially funded by a $50 million contribution from Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United. Pochettino sees this development as a catalyst for the U.S. to join the ranks of the world’s elite soccer nations.
In his own words, Pochettino described the impact of this training center as “as important an impact” as having the legendary eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi currently playing in the MLS with Inter Miami. He emphasized the significance of having a centralized training facility, noting that the eight countries that have won the World Cup all boast impressive training centers.
“When you go to the U.S. now [for training camps], one time you go to Los Angeles, then it’s New York, Chicago, Miami, Orlando or St. Louis. Where is the center for football?” Pochettino questioned. “If you look at the training centers of the NFL and baseball, you say: ‘Wow.’ With football, it is: ‘Where is the team going to train?’ We need to ask the colleges and universities.”
He continued, “Before the World Cup, U.S. Soccer is building an amazing training center in Atlanta and that is going to be one of the most unbelievable training centers in the world. That is going to be the base of soccer. It is the moment where people can see, soccer is going to be a serious sport because it has a home.”
Pochettino expressed his gratitude to the federation and all the donors involved in this project, stating, “We need to congratulate the federation, and all the donors involved, who are helping to grow the sport, because it’s No. 1 in the world. Because in five or 10 years, for sure we can be No. 1 in the world. It could be.”
In a lighter moment, Pochettino shared his thoughts on a recent interaction between President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. When Trump asked Infantino if the U.S. could win the World Cup next year, Infantino replied, “Yes, with the public behind [them].” Pochettino, with a smile, remarked, “I was disappointed with his answer. He should say, ‘You need to ask your great coach, Pochettino, because for sure he can give a better opinion!'”
Looking ahead, Pochettino’s next opportunity to prepare the USMNT for the first-ever 48-team World Cup next year comes this week with the Concacaf Nations League Finals. The U.S. will face Panama at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Thursday. The winner will then meet the victor between Mexico and Canada at the same venue on Sunday.
- USMNT’s best World Cup finish: Semifinal in 1930
- Recent investment: $50 million for a new training center in Atlanta
- Upcoming match: USMNT vs. Panama at SoFi Stadium
Originally Written by: ESPN
