A win in Senegal could help fans ‘trust’ US bid for 2026 World Cup, says Pochettino

Coach Mauricio Pochettino said the United States’ impressive 3-2 friendly win over Senegal on Sunday could help the American public trust their national team as the country prepares to host the World Cup.

The US, along with Canada and Mexico, will co-host the tournament which starts on June 11, with the hope that stars like Christian Pulisic can lead the home side deep into the knockout stages.

While there are no minnows among World Cup opponents Paraguay, Australia and Turkey, anything short of progress beyond Group D would be an embarrassment for the U.S. men’s national team.

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The American public’s expectations had been deflated by recent friendly losses to Portugal and Belgium, and a long-standing poor record against the most elite sides.

But Sunday’s win – Pochettino’s second as a US coach against top-15 opposition after beating Uruguay in November – could be as useful in boosting morale among fans as it was within Team USA’s lineup, the coach said.

“I think the good feelings about that victory are more important for the environment than for us,” said Pochettino.

«It is important for us to always win. But it is also important that the environment has a little confidence after the last two games, against Belgium and Portugal.»

He added: «Today… we saw the commitment of everyone there. We have an attitude and dedication, we have the talent, we have players of enormous talent.»

Former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager Pochettino took over the US team on a low note in September 2024.

After the dismal failure of failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, the US had won the 2021 Gold Cup and three consecutive Nations Leagues.

But after a respectable performance at the 2022 World Cup under coach Gregg Berhalter, the wheels came off in spectacular fashion, with multiple early tournament exits leading to the Argentine’s dramatic recruitment.

Pochettino shook up a staid dressing room and searched Major League Soccer for emerging talent who could provide crucial competition to established stars.

Even American talisman Pulisic has come under pressure and scrutiny in recent months.

The AC Milan striker had not scored a single goal in 2026 and had not scored for the US since 2024. He scored a goal and an assist on Sunday before being withdrawn at half-time.

“Christian’s performance in 45 minutes was really good,” said Pochettino.

“I think he still has the potential to improve, but in the way he has been training (from) day one, I felt it was what he needed.”

«I am also so happy for him because after a long time, a few months, he scored again, which is important for a player who knows the preparation for the World Cup,» the coach added.

Sergino Dest, playing a more forward role than his typical defensive duties allow, scored on his return from injury, while first-choice forward Folarin Balogun added a third from the bench in the second half.

‘The right attitude

The confidence boost from seeing off Africa Cup of Nations finalists Senegal comes at a crucial time, with the US set to face the challenge of perhaps the World Cup’s most evenly matched and competitive group.

To that end, Pochettino’s men face another exciting friendly match against Germany next Saturday in Chicago.

“In a week we will face another great national team like Germany,” said the coach.

But “to be honest, it doesn’t matter whether we play against Germany or another team.”

«Why? Because we were the problem in several (previous) matches. Not being in the right place, with the right effort and with the right attitude, being a very solid group and all being together, as we showed today.»

Published on June 1, 2026