Former USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino has expressed strong confidence in the team’s future, suggesting they could rise to become the world’s best within the next five to ten years. This optimistic outlook comes as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup.
While Pochettino’s contract concluded after last summer’s tournament, his ambitious vision set a positive tone during his tenure. He emphasized this potential ahead of the Concacaf Nations League Finals, a tournament that represented his first chance to secure a trophy as the U.S. national team’s coach.
In a recent interview, Pochettino stated, “In five or ten years, for sure we can be No. 1 in the world. It could be.” He made these remarks while praising U.S. Soccer’s investment in a new $200 million national training center in Atlanta, slated to open in 2026. Pochettino described it as a world-class facility, signaling a serious commitment to soccer in the nation.
Pochettino further elaborated on his optimism, referencing FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s comments to then U.S. President Donald Trump. Infantino had suggested the USMNT could win the upcoming World Cup. Although Pochettino questioned Infantino’s expertise to make such a claim, he indicated he would respond affirmatively if President Trump asked him directly during a hypothetical White House visit. He implied that with support and by hosting the World Cup, anything is possible.
Despite Pochettino’s departure, his initial hiring reflected U.S. Soccer’s ambition for a strong showing at the next World Cup. His long-term vision of global dominance, however, is a highly aspirational goal for a nation still developing its soccer pedigree.
Pathways to Global Soccer Dominance
Achieving the status of the world’s top men’s national team in the coming decade requires numerous factors to align perfectly for the USMNT. They possess a solid base with a talented player pool, arguably the best in the nation’s history. This USMNT generation stands out due to a core group playing in Europe’s premier leagues. Players like Christian Pulisic and Antonee Robinson are excelling in top European competitions.
However, consistent high-level club performance is crucial for national team success. Some USMNT players, such as Matt Turner and Gio Reyna, have faced challenges in securing consistent playing time at their clubs. Addressing club-level consistency is a key step for many USMNT players.
Building a deep squad capable of competing at the highest international levels is essential for the USMNT to join the world’s elite. The team’s depth will be tested during the Concacaf Nations League games. While key players are available, Pochettino will also integrate players from the MLS-focused January camp due to injuries. Predicting a 2026 World Cup victory still seems premature, but matching their 2002 quarterfinal run could be a realistic and significant achievement.
The development of youth players over the next decade remains uncertain. The U.S.’s adoption of development models focused on local clubs has helped close the gap with leading soccer nations. However, fully closing this gap and achieving world dominance depends on various evolving factors.
Beyond Player Talent: Building a World-Class Team
While player quality is paramount, especially given the limited time national teams spend together, it’s not the sole determinant of becoming the world’s best. Effective coaching plays a vital role. Top coaches can maximize team performance, exceeding the sum of individual player abilities. Pochettino’s hiring, for example, aimed to elevate a promising team without necessarily targeting immediate World Cup victory in 2026. World Cup-winning coaches like Lionel Scaloni of Argentina and Didier Deschamps of France have demonstrated this principle, combining talent with cohesive tactics to achieve ultimate success.
Less tangible elements also contribute, though their impact on reaching world-leading status is less significant.
