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The manager of the U.S. men’s soccer team claimed the team will have a legitimate chance to win the World Cup in 2026 with the help of President Donald Trump.
Trump recently hosted FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the White House. During Infantino’s visit, Trump asked him if the United States — one of the host nations for the 2026 World Cup — can win the tournament. Infantino said yes.
In a Tuesday report from The Mirror, U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino initially expressed disappointment with Infantino’s comments, saying that “You need to ask your great coach, Pochettino,” because “he can give a better opinion.”
The next day, Pochettino’s tune had changed slightly. When asked in a Sky Sports interview what he would say to Trump, Pochettino said:
I will say yes. If he asks me, I say yes. President, with your help, with the fans behind [us] hosting the World Cup, all is possible.
Although he said he would express a high level of confidence to the president himself, Pochettino has more of a long-term view of American soccer. The 53-year-old Argentinian — who was hired in September 2024 believes that the U.S. can be the top-ranked international team in the world in the next five to 10 years.
