Pochettino, Trump's Call, and Tactical Masterclasses: The USMNT's World Cup Resurgence

Mauricio Pochettino has become the talk of the United States, emerging as the surprise success story of the World Cup. His tactical genius, notably his use of hydration breaks to devise strategies in a style reminiscent of the NBA, has earned him widespread praise. Even Donald Trump has lauded the Argentine coach, calling him a "fantastic guy" and "fantastic coach."

When Pochettino took the helm of the USMNT on September 13, 2024, the team was in disarray. Following a dismal performance in the Copa América as hosts, where they lost to Panama and Uruguay, the team faced a bleak outlook for the World Cup. The situation was exacerbated by comparisons to the Canadian team, which had reached the semifinals under Jesse Marsch, an American coach overlooked by his own federation.

Pochettino's appointment, at a reported $6 million annual salary, was met with skepticism. As the first Latin American coach for the USMNT, he arrived after an inconsistent season with Chelsea, where he managed to elevate Cole Palmer to stardom. Palmer, who scored 22 goals and provided 16 assists in 34 matches, is notably absent from the World Cup squad due to performance issues, as per Thomas Tuchel's assessment.

The initial reception for Pochettino was lukewarm, with his debut match against Trinidad and Tobago drawing a crowd of only 12,610. However, less than a year later, the modern SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles was packed with 70,000 spectators, including celebrities like Tom Cruise, David Beckham, and Katy Perry, alongside former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This dramatic shift in attendance reflects the immense enthusiasm Pochettino has ignited in less than a year.