Pochettino hopes USA fans trust World Cup bid after friendly win over Senegal
The United States, together with Canada and Mexico, are co-hosting the tournament, which begins on June 11th. Expectations are high that stars such as Christian Pulisic can guide the home side deep into the knockout rounds.
Although there are no weak sides among World Cup opponents Paraguay, Australia and Turkey, anything less than advancing beyond Group D would be a humiliation for the US men's national team.
American public hopes had been dampened by recent friendly losses to Portugal and Belgium, along with a long-standing poor record against the very best teams.
But Sunday's victory – Pochettino's second as US coach against a top-15 opponent, after beating Uruguay in November – could prove as useful in lifting spirits among fans as within the Team USA camp, the coach said.
"The positive feelings from that win, I think it matters more for the atmosphere than for us," said Pochettino.
"For us, winning is always important. But it is also important for the atmosphere to have a bit more faith after the last two games, against Belgium and Portugal."
He added, "Today... we witnessed the dedication of everyone out there. We have attitude and commitment, we have the quality, we have players with immense talent."
Former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager Pochettino took charge of the US team at a low point in September 2024.
After the disastrous failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, the US had won the 2021 Gold Cup and three consecutive Nations Leagues.
But following a respectable showing at the 2022 World Cup under coach Gregg Berhalter, things fell apart dramatically, with multiple early tournament exits leading to the high-profile appointment of the Argentine.
Pochettino transformed a stagnant dressing room, scouring Major League Soccer for emerging talent capable of providing vital competition – or alternatives – to established stars.
Even US talisman Pulisic has faced increased pressure and scrutiny in recent months.
The AC Milan forward had not scored a single goal in 2026 and had not found the net for the US since 2024. He managed a goal and an assist on Sunday before being substituted at half-time.
"Christian's performance in 45 minutes was really, really good," said Pochettino.
"I think he still has the potential to improve, but given how he has trained from day one, I sensed that was exactly what he needed."
"I am so pleased for him as well because after a long period, a few months, he scored again, which is important for a player, especially with the World Cup preparation in mind," added the coach.
Sergino Dest, playing in a more advanced role than his usual defensive duties allow, scored on his return from injury. At the same time, first-choice striker Folarin Balogun added a third from the bench in the second half.
The boost in confidence from seeing off Africa Cup of Nations finalists Senegal comes at a crucial time, with the US about to face what is arguably the World Cup's most balanced and competitive group.
Before that, Pochettino's side will face another tricky friendly against Germany in Chicago this Saturday.
"In one week, we are going to face another fantastic national team like Germany," said the coach.
But "to be honest, it does not matter whether we face Germany or another team."
"Why? Because in different (previous) games, we were the issue. Not being in the right place, with the right commitment and the right attitude, being a very solid group, and being all together, like we demonstrated today."