USMNT told why Mauricio Pochettino will do ‘great job’ despite CONCACAF Nations League flop - with co-hosts tipped to ‘compete’ at 2026 World Cup

Ex-Tottenham and Chelsea boss Pochettino had been hoping to get his hands on a first piece of silverware as head coach of the United States when seeing them reach the latter stages of a continental tournament. Said crown did, however, slip through their grasp.

Humbling defeats to Panama and Canada have delivered more questions than answers in a USMNT camp that includes exciting talents such as Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna and Weston McKennie. Pochettino is being backed to get things right.

He is continuing a long countdown to a home World Cup in 2026, with LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris - who played under the Argentine at Spurs - telling La Nacion of now working alongside Pochettino in the States: “It's crazy that we're now in America. I'm playing for MLS and he's the manager of the national team. I'm very happy to see him take on this challenge and I'm very proud of him.

“It's a huge responsibility to be the manager of the team that will host the next World Cup. It's a lot of pressure, but I know Mauricio and his staff, and I have no doubt he'll be ready to compete in the World Cup and will put in a good performance. Despite the huge expectations, I know Mauricio will do a great job.”

Pochettino will be demanding more from his squad when they take in Gold Cup action this summer. That event is due to get underway on June 14, with the United States looking to recapture a trophy that they last lifted in 2021.