Mauricio Pochettino believes the United States is ready for the 2026 World Cup that could change the face of soccer in the United States.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — In the hours before the United States' opening World Cup match, Mauricio Pochettino will give his players some final advice at the team hotel. On an escorted bus And in the SoFi Stadium dressing room, after 19 months working together, Pochettino believes he has adjusted his team to understand both tactics and competitive psychology. Before the game against Paraguay Pochettino joked that he has said enough and will not make a grand speech. “I've said a lot — a lot,” he said, adding, “Don't go expecting a magic speech on Friday.” Children now need to prepare emotionally and mentally without relying on outside motivation. After training camp, warm-up game and preparing the team many times Pochettino is confident the team is ready to play. "If you're not ready, I'm sorry, you can't do it," he said, apart from being ready for the match against Paraguay. He saw an opportunity for the United States. It will be its furthest move since 2002 and its brightest stage since the last time the tournament was hosted in the region 32 years ago. Pochettino points out that the team has improved both in their playing style and in their winning attitude. “Concepts are starting to change. And I see that we are beginning to embrace the culture of a country that wants to be number one and be competitive. We have to win the game. But you have to play with passion to keep the fans. Proud of what I saw on the field.” Midfielder Tyler Adams echoed the importance of the occasion, saying it was a huge opportunity to expand the fan base and show that American players are world class. “This is my biggest opportunity to continue to grow and inspire the game,” he said. Christian Roldan emphasizes the team's responsibility towards creating long-term memories for future generations. “It is a huge responsibility to achieve and make those memories,” he said, as Gio Reyna reflected on how at the previous World Cup the team was too young and made mistakes at key moments. Many players are now more experienced and mature both on the field and in their personal lives. Pochettino wants his players to enter matches with independence. "Like children without pressure" but emphasizes that children These weren't really kids, because of the 26 people on the team, 13 had already gone to Qatar four years ago. The team has become more player-friendly and more mature in key moments. Training camps opened in the Atlanta area earlier this month. Make the atmosphere more relaxed “You don't want to grip the steering wheel until your hands are white,” said Captain Tim Ream. Adams admits he feels “Normal excitement” for the competition But ready to play with this group of players Part of that expectation rests on the shoulders of AC Milan striker Christian Pulisic, who has become the face of the team through his skills and commercial endorsements. Pulisic said it was a big moment and he didn't feel the need to bear it all alone. Because I have teammates who can help lighten the situation. United States power It consists of players from all five major European leagues. and expected Chris Richards, who recovered from an ankle injury on May 17, will have a chance to start. The focus in the first game was heavily on Paraguay, who advanced through with a tenacious defense — they had conceded just 10 goals in 18 World Qualifying matches — and the team views the game against Paraguay as the first step in a campaign that will propel both tournament travel and the growth of domestic football. Pulisic sums up the team's goals as more than just results. It is about stimulating American fans to watch the team and is the driving force for the game to continue to grow. “We want to do our best to excite the fans. And of course, success will be the best support.”