Brad Friedel has explained to GOAL why Mauricio Pochettino will never have been open to the idea of a “dual job” that saw him coach both Tottenham and the USMNT. Spurs recently found themselves back in the market for a new manager after bringing Igor Tudor’s ill-fated 44-day tenure to a close. Former fan favourite Pochettino saw a return to north London speculated on, but he has World Cup plans to focus on this summer.
The U.S. played with more intensity and created a fair number of chances to get something from the game, but they never quite got the final details right on either side of the field
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has dismissed the possibility of a replacement team entering the 2026 World Cup, insisting there is "no plan B" if Iran decide to withdraw. Despite escalating geopolitical conflict and direct threats of withdrawal from Iranian officials, the governing body remains committed to the Asian nation’s involvement. Infantino confirmed that discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump have taken place to ensure the squad is welcomed on North American soil this June.
ATLANTA -- Mauricio Pochettino insisted his full focus is on the World Cup with the USMNT but did not rule out a future return to Tottenham after being asked about the club’s managerial vacancy following manager Igor Tudor’s dismissal, adding that “never say never” in football. Pochettino last coached Spurs from 2014-19.
After a poor performance against Belgium, Mauricio Pochettino is demanding more from his team - and a bigger role for Gio Reyna could be one of the key decisions vs Portugal.
The U.S. broke out a curious system against an elite opponent and were rightfully punished. What is more concerning, though, is how little Mauricio Pochettino learned about his team as a whole.
USMNT World Cup hopeful Yunus Musah has been given transfer advice by Massimo Ambrosini, with the AC Milan legend telling GOAL what the American midfielder needs from his next club. Musah is currently taking in a loan spell at Atalanta, but that move has not played out as planned and the versatile 23-year-old could find himself heading out of San Siro in a different direction over the summer.
Freddy Adu has explained to GOAL when - amid chats with NBA legend Kobe Bryant and completing a “crazy” transfer - things felt “real” for him and as though he had bucked the trend by cracking Europe as an American soccer player. Having burst onto the scene as a 14-year-old wonderkid, Adu helped to pave the way for the likes of Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie to follow in his footsteps.
Christian Pulisic has reacted to “strange” goings on in the United States’ international friendly date with Belgium, admitting that scenes that left the USMNT camp shocked “can’t happen”. Mauricio Pochettino’s side suffered a 5-2 defeat at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with a surprising kit clash that was signed off by the match officials making life difficult for everyone.
In November, we were treated to the most exhilarating reminder possible of the magic of the World Cup. History was made in Jamaica as Curacao became the smallest nation ever to qualify by holding the Reggae Boys to a 0-0 draw in Kingston. Elsewhere in CONCACAF, Haiti managed to secure a spot at the finals for the first time in 50 years with a 2-0 win over Nicaragua - in spite of the fact that they weren't able to play any games at home because of the ongoing conflict on the Caribbean island.
As the international calendar shifts toward the final stretch before World Cup rosters are finalised, Belgium find themselves in the United States for a crucial double-header against the USMNT and Mexico. For Kevin De Bruyne, the match offers a chance to reunite with a manager he knows well from internal Premier League battles during Mauricio Pochettino's time at Tottenham and Chelsea.
Romelu Lukaku’s relationship with Napoli has reached a critical juncture following his decision to remain in Belgium during the international break. While the club and manager Antonio Conte were left frustrated by his absence from the training ground, new reports suggest a diplomatic effort is underway to repair the damage.
Freddy Adu has told GOAL why Gio Reyna’s unique skillset could be crucial to the USMNT cause at a home World Cup. The United States is, alongside Mexico and Canada, preparing to play host to FIFA’s flagship event in 2026. Reyna is hoping to play a prominent role at that event but, having endured form and fitness issues at club level, has been informed of what he needs to bring to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad in order to make the cut.
USA
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