Former US President Donald Trump has boldly declared that the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) can "go all the way" in the 2026 World Cup, offering a surprising vote of confidence to coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Trump reportedly sent Pochettino a message of strong encouragement just before the USMNT secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay. This win marks a promising start for the tournament hosts.
While co-hosts Mexico also kicked off with a win against South Africa, Canada could only manage a draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The USMNT is poised to be a major team to watch, especially with Pochettino, considered one of the top coaches in the competition, at the helm.
According to BBC Sport, Trump told Pochettino, "I think you’ve got a really good chance of going all the way. I just want to wish you a lot of luck." Pochettino, known for his successful tenures at Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and a recent spell at Chelsea, faces a new challenge guiding the USMNT.
Despite Trump's optimism, many established football powerhouses like Spain, France, England, Brazil, and Argentina are generally considered stronger contenders to lift the 2026 World Cup trophy.
