The United States men’s national team (USMNT) suffered a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in a friendly match on Tuesday, marking an early setback for newly appointed head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The loss comes just days after a promising 2-0 victory over Panama, but this time, the squad lacked several key players.
Despite the disappointing result, Pochettino emphasized the need for patience and time to fully assess the team. With Christian Pulisic, Ricardo Pepi, and Weston McKennie absent from the squad due to club commitments, the former Chelsea manager found himself working with a rotated lineup in Mexico.
A Tough Start But a Long-Term Vision
Pochettino, who took charge after a turbulent stint at Chelsea, has been appointed to lead the U.S. into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. While the defeat to Mexico raises questions, Pochettino stressed that the bigger picture is what matters most.
“We’re disappointed because we didn’t have the full squad we wanted,” Pochettino told reporters after the match. “Some players returned to their clubs, and we came here with a shorter group than expected.”
However, Pochettino praised the professionalism of the available players. “I thank the players who were here. They behaved in an amazing way. They gave everything, and while we wanted to win, there are still positives to take from these games.”
Building Chemistry Takes Time
Pochettino acknowledged that these early friendlies are crucial for developing cohesion and understanding within the squad. “We need to play more matches like this to grow. It takes time to understand the players and for them to understand us,” he said. “Once we have everyone together, we’ll be able to provide a clearer picture of what this team can become.”
The Argentine manager urged supporters to trust the process, emphasizing that consistent improvement requires time. “Let us evaluate all the players, know them well, and then you will see the foundation of what we want to build,” he concluded.
Eyes on 2026
The 2026 World Cup looms large as Pochettino’s primary objective. The coming months will likely feature more friendlies to sharpen the squad and build chemistry, especially with the high expectations that come with hosting a tournament.
While the loss to Mexico stings, Pochettino’s message is clear: meaningful progress doesn’t happen overnight. With star players yet to fully integrate and plenty of games ahead, the USMNT project under Pochettino is just getting started.
