While MLS continues to grow exponentially since the arrival of Leo Messi and the influx of players to Europe begins to be massive from very young ages… it seems that the United States national team keeps regressing, and many authoritative voices are beginning to ask if they have hit rock bottom after the disaster that was this final four of the CONCACAF Nations League, which was ultimately won by Mexico.

United States disaster in the CONCACAF Nations League

The appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as the new head coach was meant to deliver a shock to United States following their premature elimination in the group stage of the previous Copa América under the management of Gregg Berhalter. A coach with no experience at the national team level… but recognized for his great work on the bench of teams like Tottenham, PSG, or Chelsea in the last instance.

The truth is that his early steps as head coach of the United States, while not a masterpiece, were quite consistent… except for a loss to Mexico in his second match. However, this CONCACAF Nations League was the real test… and it ended up being a failure. The United States, as a reminder, won the last three editions, but in this one, they lost to Panama in the semifinals, while Canada took away the third-place spot.

The Gold Cup will decide Pochettino's future

“We presume certain quality, but when it comes to competing, we don’t have that presumption of quality that makes us look better in all the analysis before we play against the opponents. Perhaps that’s what is costing us. We presume we are better, but when it comes to competing, to showing it, maybe we’re not finding the right form. We are here to build,” stated Pochettino in a press conference.

Perhaps he already suspected that this disaster could happen because, throughout this FIFA window, Pochettino has repeatedly emphasized that the important thing is to be in top condition for the 2026 World Cup. However, it’s clear that United States is far from meeting expectations with just a little over a year until the tournament begins. Therefore, the Gold Cup could mark a turning point in Mauricio Pochettino's tenure as head coach.