Pochettino Tells Trump: USA Can Win the 2026 World Cup on Home Soil

When Donald Trump posed a direct question to Mauricio Pochettino at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, D.C. last December, the USA coach didn't hesitate. "Do you think, coach, that we can win?" Trump asked. Pochettino's response, shared during an appearance on Gary Neville's Stick To Football podcast, was simple but telling.

"Why not? Why not?"

At first glance, it might sound like diplomatic deflection. But Pochettino backed up his optimism with concrete examples. He referenced Morocco's stunning run to the semi-finals at the 2022 Qatar World Cup and South Korea's similar achievement on home turf in 2002 — two nations that entered their respective tournaments without serious championship expectations but defied all predictions. His message wasn't a guarantee of American victory, but rather a challenge to those who write off the hosts too quickly.

The American squad's realistic prospects

Currently sitting 16th in the FIFA world rankings, the United States men's national team occupies an interesting middle ground — neither a traditional powerhouse nor an easy opponent. Their recent World Cup pedigree is solid: they've advanced to the round of 16 in each of their last three tournament appearances in 2010, 2014, and 2022. Pochettino recognizes this consistency represents a baseline, not a limitation.

The home advantage factor cannot be understated. As co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico, the Americans will benefit from massive, passionate crowds during their group stage matches. History shows this edge is real — France captured the 1998 trophy on home soil, while Germany rode domestic support to a third-place finish in 2006. While supporters don't directly influence the scoreboard, their energy can shift momentum in subtle but meaningful ways throughout a match.

That said, Pochettino's "why not" philosophy represents aspirational thinking rather than a detailed tactical roadmap. The U.S. has never progressed beyond the quarter-finals, a barrier they reached only once in 2002. To genuinely contend for the 2026 championship would require defeating elite nations like Brazil, France, or England in knockout rounds — a reality reflected in current World Cup betting markets that place the Americans well outside the favourite's circle.

Pochettino clearly possesses the belief. The coming 14 months will reveal whether his roster has the quality to transform confidence into genuine championship contention.