Pochettino Tells Trump: United States Can Win the 2026 World Cup

When President Donald Trump posed a simple question to Mauricio Pochettino before the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, D.C. last December, the U.S. men's national team coach didn't hesitate with his response.

"Do you think, coach, that we can win?" Trump asked. Pochettino's reply, revealed during an appearance on Gary Neville's Stick To Football podcast, was direct: "Why not? Why not?"

At first glance, it might seem like diplomatic deflection. But Pochettino backed up his optimism with substance. He referenced Morocco's stunning semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and South Korea's equally surprising semi-final appearance in 2002 — two nations that defied all expectations and proved that home advantage and momentum can rewrite the script. His message is clear: writing off the Americans would be a mistake.

What the United States brings to 2026

The U.S. currently sits 16th in the FIFA rankings — not among the traditional powerhouses, but certainly not cannon fodder. The Americans have consistently reached the round of 16 in their last three World Cup appearances: 2010, 2014, and 2022. That track record establishes a baseline, but Pochettino believes the ceiling is much higher.

Playing on home soil changes everything. The United States will co-host the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, meaning American fans will pack stadiums for the group stage matches. History shows that home-field advantage is more than just sentiment — France captured glory in 1998, and Germany rode the wave of support in 2006. While supporters don't put the ball in the net, they create an atmosphere that can swing tight matches over 90 minutes.

That said, confidence alone won't be enough. The U.S. has never advanced beyond the quarter-finals — a high-water mark they achieved in 2002. To genuinely compete for the title in 2026, Pochettino's squad would need to defeat football giants like Brazil, France, or England. The betting markets clearly reflect that considerable gap in expectations.

Pochettino has the belief. The next 14 months will reveal whether his roster has the talent to match his ambition.