IRVINE, Calif. — Mauricio Pochettino, the Argentine head coach of the U.S. men’s national soccer team, has been credited with fostering a new mindset aimed at elevating the team’s performance at the 2026 World Cup, hosted in the United States. This tournament represents a pivotal opportunity for the USMNT to make a lasting impact on the sport’s perception within America.

Since taking charge, Pochettino has emphasized a confident and resilient approach, instilling in players a belief in their identity and capabilities. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter highlighted this shift, noting that despite Pochettino’s Argentine roots, the coach has adopted and reinforced a distinctly American mentality, one characterized by toughness and determination. “He showed us Americans what we’re about. He really drills that into us,” Berhalter explained.

Historically, the USMNT has struggled to position itself as a genuine contender for the World Cup, often viewed more as participants than serious challengers. Pochettino has sought to change that narrative by introducing a tactical and philosophical transformation. Shortly after the USMNT began their training camp, the coach identified the need for a new perspective on the game to compete effectively against traditional football powerhouses like Brazil and Argentina.

The team’s opening match of the tournament, a 4-1 victory over Paraguay, exemplified these changes. The USMNT asserted dominance through aggressive ball control and confident play, showcasing a level of talent and composure that ranks competitively among the 48 participating nations. Forward Tim Weah credited the coach’s influence, citing the team’s intensified pressing and aggressive play as evidence of the evolving mentality.

Looking ahead, the USMNT faces Australia in Seattle in a crucial second-round match. Pochettino’s earlier frustrations over the physicality of the Australian team have underscored the importance of respect and preparedness when facing opponents often underestimated by others. Berhalter and Weah both acknowledged the Socceroos’ defensive strength and youthful energy, emphasizing the need for continued discipline and focus.

While the full impact of Pochettino’s approach may not be fully measurable until the team encounters more challenging adversity, the current performance and messaging suggest a genuine internalization of the coach’s philosophy. Forward Folarin Balogun encapsulated the team’s emerging confidence, echoing Pochettino’s repeated refrain: “Why not us? We have to believe.”

As the tournament progresses, the U.S. squad’s ability to maintain this mindset and replicate their initial success will be critical in determining whether they can ultimately shift perceptions and achieve a historic run on home soil.