Mauricio Pochettino, US head coach, pushes World Cup co-hosts to embrace free play

Expectations run high for the United States squad, sharing hosting duties with Mexico and Canada, and featuring a robust lineup of talents from elite European clubs, among them AC Milan's Christian Pulisic and Juventus standout Weston McKennie.

Ahead of the United States' friendly match against Belgium on Saturday, Pochettino motivated his team by referencing other US sports like the NFL and basketball, which he watched extensively upon taking the role in 2024.

"The aspect I truly appreciated was how athletes in various sports compete freely, aiming to excel and captivate," he remarked.

"Freedom brings out your best. Joy leads to strong performances. Pressure is unnecessary," Pochettino added.

Pochettino contrasted this with his playing days in the 2002 World Cup.

Argentina arrived in Japan and South Korea as top contenders but failed to advance from the group phase.

"If not managed well, pressure can weigh heavily," Pochettino noted.

"The Argentine public created intense pressure, an overwhelming force we could not handle."

'Unaware'

The United States will contest every match on home territory at the World Cup, starting June 11.

Pochettino's squad faces a manageable group including Paraguay, Australia, and either Turkey or Kosovo.

Preparation involves two friendlies versus elite European sides, beginning with Belgium followed by Portugal in Atlanta three days later.

After a training session, Pochettino announced that centre-backs Chris Richards and Miles Robinson are sidelined by injuries for these games.

They are joined on the injury list by key midfielders Tyler Adams and Diego Luna.

However, star players like Pulisic and McKennie are available and shared their coach's views on handling rising demands.

"We chose this career in professional football, where competition and pressure are daily realities," McKennie said to AFP.

"Pressure does not faze us much. We welcome it and thrive on it."

Pulisic, often seen as the face of American football, mentioned removing social media from his device to sidestep building hype.

"I remain largely unaware of it," he stated.

"You lot are keen for me to sense the pressure, no doubt!" he quipped, facing persistent questions from the press.

"Pressure exists, of course, it is the World Cup. Not due to my role or anything specific. I am accustomed to it."

'Victory is possible'

Beyond the confident statements, a solid showing from the US side is vital to sustain football's surge in popularity throughout North America.

The nation has not made a World Cup semi-final since 1930.

Though attaining that level would exceed typical forecasts, the co-hosts are far from the outsiders they used to be.

Pochettino cautioned against appearing overconfident by claiming a tournament win, or too pessimistic by dismissing it.

"I took this position believing we can triumph," he affirmed.

"I urge everyone to have faith. Whether it materialises depends on numerous variables."