NEW YORK, March 24 — The United States fell 2-1 to Canada in the Concacaf Nations League third-place match on Sunday, marking their second straight defeat after a 1-0 loss to Panama in the semifinals. However, manager Mauricio Pochettino remains optimistic, emphasizing that there is still time to make necessary adjustments ahead of next year’s home World Cup.
NEW YORK, March 24 — The United States fell 2-1 to Canada in the Concacaf Nations League third-place match on Sunday, marking their second straight defeat after a 1-0 loss to Panama in the semifinals. However, manager Mauricio Pochettino remains optimistic, emphasizing that there is still time to make necessary adjustments ahead of next year’s home World Cup.
Pochettino, who took charge after leaving Premier League club Chelsea in May, faces the challenge of preparing the USMNT for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“It’s better to lose now because we have time. But if we’re in this situation a year from now, then for sure I’d say, ‘Houston, we have a problem. SOS,’” Pochettino told reporters.
“Don’t be pessimistic or dwell on bad feelings. We’re all disappointed, and the fans should feel that too. But I won’t allow pessimism because we have good players,” he added.
“We’ll find a way to perform, and we will compete differently in the future.”
The USMNT will return to action in June when they host Turkey and Switzerland for friendly matches. — Reuters
MANCHESTER, April 28 — Manchester United moved closer to securing Champions League qualification with a 2-1 victory over Brentford on Monday, but interim manager Michael Carrick said the team must continue pushing to finish as high as possible in the Premier League.
TEHRAN, April 28 — Iran on Tuesday said the United States is no longer in a position to dictate terms to other nations, as Washington reviews a new Iranian proposal concerning the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
MECCA, April 28 — Haj pilgrims have been reminded not to let social media distract them from the true purpose of their journey in the Holy Land.