US team is serious: Pochettino on Gold Cup goals

The head coach of the US national team, Mauricio Pochettino, believes that participating in the Gold Cup will be an excellent opportunity to prepare for the 2026 World Cup at home. He shared this in an interview with Bleacher Report.

After setbacks in the CONCACAF Nations League, where the team lost to Panama and Canada, the American team cannot afford any mistakes. In the upcoming Gold Cup, the US will face Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, and Haiti. Pochettino noted that his main task is to assemble the optimal squad.

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"My first thought was whether we can attract all the necessary players. This is more important than the opponents themselves," the coach noted.

The Argentine specialist acknowledged that the Gold Cup is a new challenge for him, but he views it as a dress rehearsal for the World Cup.

"We must be ready for serious competition. In CONCACAF, it is now difficult to win without full commitment. This tournament will help us understand how prepared we are for the main event in 2026," Pochettino added.