Key Takeaways
- Mauricio Pochettino claims American children lack an early emotional connection to football compared to other nations.
- The coach argues that kids in the US develop stronger bonds with hand-based sports like basketball and American football first.
- Pochettino insists the US can win the 2026 World Cup, rejecting suggestions that a quarter-final exit would mark success.
Mauricio Pochettino has raised concerns about the deep cultural connection to football in the United States. The head coach of the United States Men’s National Team says the nation does not share the same early passion for the sport as countries like his native Argentina.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, the former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager explained the difference in how young players grow up with the game. He noted that in Argentina, babies often kick a ball before they can walk. However, he believes that in America, children typically only start organised football between the ages of 11 and 13. This delay, he argues, creates a much weaker emotional link to the sport.
Pochettino suggested that American youngsters usually form stronger ties with basketball and American football first. These sports involve using the hands, whereas football requires foot skills from a very young age to build a true love for the game.
The coach also addressed the lack of publicly available playing areas. He recalled a recent dinner where wealthy guests asked why the US has never produced a player like Lionel Messi. Pochettino answered by calling for more free spaces where children can play informal matches with friends, rather than relying only on expensive club programmes.
Despite these cultural challenges, Pochettino remains optimistic about the 2026 World Cup. The tournament will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. His contract ends after the competition, but he refuses to set modest goals.
He revealed that he met President Donald Trump before the tournament draw. When the President asked if the team could win, Pochettino replied “Why not?” He pointed to Morocco’s run to the semi-finals in Qatar and South Korea’s success in 2002 as proof that anything is possible. He warned that aiming only for the quarter-finals could actually prevent the team from achieving greater success.