US coach Pochettino confident team has time to regroup before 2026 World Cup on home turf

US coach Pochettino confident team has time to regroup before 2026 World Cup on home turf

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.‍

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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

USA’s Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino gestures as Canada’s midfielder #20 Ali Ahmed and USA’s defender #19 Joe Scally compete for the ball during the Concacaf Nations League third-place final at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on March 23, 2025. — AFP pic

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