Mauricio Pochettino is calling for support from an unexpected ally: Donald Trump.
The head coach of the U.S. men’s national soccer team envisions a future where the United States excels in soccer, and he believes the former president can play a role in realizing that vision.
Since being appointed last September as the successor to Gregg Berhalter, Pochettino has taken on the monumental task of preparing the U.S. team for the 2026 World Cup, which the nation will co-host alongside Canada and Mexico.
At 53 years old, the Argentinian coach acknowledges the significant expectations that come with leading the team, especially with matches taking place on North American soil.
“I think the pressure is going to be there because we are a host. And then it’s a country where the mentality is about winning,” Pochettino explained, according to The Mirror. “You know, in sport, in everything that Americans are involved in, they want to win. That is the culture. It’s cultural. Of course, it’s going to be a pressure, but a welcome one. That means that we are going to feel the adrenaline that we need to feel.”
Pochettino explicitly expressed his desire for Trump’s assistance.
“I will say yes,” he affirmed. “If he asks me, I say yes. President, with your help, with the fans behind [us] hosting the World Cup, all is possible.”
The exciting World Cup event will culminate in the final match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the home base for both the New York Giants and Jets.
Historically, after achieving a third-place finish in the inaugural World Cup in 1930, the U.S. men’s team has struggled to advance past the quarterfinals—a milestone they haven’t reached since 2002.
A High-Stakes Sports Discussion: Trump and Putin Consider Matchups
In a surprising twist in the sports world, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are engaging in discussions about a potential series of hockey matches.
The leaders have conversed about organizing games between teams from the NHL and those from the Russian leagues, a topic that emerged during a recent phone call following Putin’s dismissal of a U.S.-suggested 30-day ceasefire deal in Ukraine.
As for the NHL’s position, officials stated they are currently unable to comment on these conversations.
“We have just become aware of the conversation between President Trump and President Putin,” remarked an NHL spokesperson in a statement.
