Mauricio Pochettino says the United States can win the 2026 World Cup, with the hosts drawing a group that has raised expectations for the men's team. The US are in Group D with Paraguay, Australia and Turkey, and Pochettino said, "I am here because I believe that we can win" and "Why not us? Why not us? Why not us?" [1, 2, 3, 4]
The US are being described as a "golden generation" ahead of the tournament, with the country set to host the World Cup for the first time since 1994. Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams are being cast as the core of the side, with Pulisic at AC Milan, McKennie at Juventus and Adams at Bournemouth. [1, 2, 3, 4]
The squad has also been built from three distinct pools, including home-grown players and members of the diaspora. That mix has fed the optimism around a team that reached the last 16 in Qatar in 2022. [1, 2, 3, 4]
But the questions remain at the top end. The US lost 5-2 to Belgium and 2-0 to Portugal in March, results that exposed the gap to elite opposition even after earlier wins over Uruguay and Paraguay in November 2025 friendlies. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Pochettino took charge of the US in late 2024, according to the report, and has been pushing belief inside a squad that has talent but still needs proof against stronger sides. The next major checkpoint is the 2026 World Cup itself, where the hosts will try to turn group-stage promise into a deep run. [1, 2, 3, 4]