Mauricio Pochettino’s leadership and tactical approach have markedly transformed the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT) as it advances through the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After a year of experimentation and development, Pochettino’s strategy has yielded tangible results, culminating in the team winning consecutive matches at the tournament for the first time in nearly a century and securing its group stage qualification with a game to spare.

Pochettino’s process began in earnest during last summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup. Faced with the absence of key players such as Christian Pulisic, who declined to participate, and others sidelined by injury or club commitments, Pochettino opted to bring 14 players with five or fewer caps to a tournament that traditionally features the strongest available roster. This decision involved considerable risk and prompted some skepticism, but it was intended to build depth and lay the groundwork for a cohesive team identity.

Throughout the year, the USMNT experienced setbacks including a loss to South Korea in September and uneven performances in the Nations League. However, by the time the World Cup roster assembled in New York less than a month prior to the tournament, Pochettino’s vision had begun to coalesce into a flexible and versatile unit. The presence of young players like goalkeeper Matt Freese, defender Alex Freeman, and midfielder Sebastian Berhalter—each part of the Gold Cup squad with little to no prior senior international experience—highlights the progress made. All three played prominent roles in the U.S. victories over Paraguay and Australia, with Freeman scoring in the latter match and Pochettino praising his potential to become world-class in his position.

The USMNT under Pochettino displays tactical adaptability previously unseen, shifting formations and personnel seamlessly. The manager has experimented with formations that include a two-striker setup featuring Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun, alongside a midfield anchored by Tyler Adams and Malik Tillman, who is positioned in a deeper role. The defensive structure also demonstrates innovation, with Sergiño Dest operating on the wing and Freeman providing cover as a third center back.

Captain Tim Ream emphasized the gradual nature of the team’s growth, attributing their current success to cumulative efforts across training sessions and matches. Players expressed unwavering belief in Pochettino’s process, trusting that the groundwork laid during the past year would culminate in competitive performances on the world stage.

While questions remain regarding the reintegration of key players like Pulisic and how far the team can advance, the USMNT no longer appears merely a promising collection of individual talents. Under Pochettino, the team has emerged as a cohesive and tactically astute group capable of competing with soccer’s elite. This evolution marks a significant step forward in realizing the potential that U.S. Soccer has long sought to fulfill.