Since CONCACAF decided to establish the Nations League in 2019, no team has been able to defeat the United States in the three previous editions. However, the poor performance in the last Copa América and the growth of Canada with Jesse Marsch have made this Nations League final four the first test for Mauricio Pochettino.

Pochettino's first steps

Recognized in Europe for his time on the benches of Tottenham, PSG, and Chelsea in the latest instance, the United States made a strong statement last September by announcing the hiring of Mauricio Pochettino after the departure of Gregg Berhalter. "The coach is a priority. It is something we are willing to invest in, and something we will invest in," said Matt Crocker, the sporting director of the U.S. Soccer Federation.

So far, except for the loss to Mexico in his second match at the helm of the team, Mauricio Pochettino's record as head coach of the United States is flawless. He easily defeated Jamaica in the quarterfinals of the Nations League, and also won friendly matches against teams like Panama, Venezuela, and Costa Rica.

Important absences for the United States

It will be against Panama that Pochettino will face his first big test as head coach of the United States, as they have the obligation to reach the final of the Nations League again, where they will face either Canada or Mexico. “We always feel the pressure to win, every match in which we participate, whether friendly or official, there is pressure.”

With Pulisic leading the charge, and star players like Tyler Adams, Musah, McKennie, Weah, and Reyna, the United States continues to add top-tier talent to their ranks. However, they also enter this final four with important absences (Robinson and Cardoso). “We want to win, it's not an excuse. For us, the most important thing is the World Cup, but we convey to the team the importance of winning and competing,” said Pochettino.