Mauricio Pochettino to Skip Speech Before USMNT World Cup Opener: ‘If You’re Not Ready, I’m Sorry’ The U.S. national team, led by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, will open its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Paraguay on Friday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Pochettino, who has opted against delivering a traditional motivational speech to his players ahead of the match, emphasized that the team must focus on internal preparation rather than external encouragement. Speaking on Thursday, the Argentine manager stated that the players already understand the demands of the occasion and do not require additional motivation. “Everybody knows how to be ready,” he said. “They don’t need any external motivation or an inspirational speech.” Pochettino added, “If you’re not ready, I’m sorry guys. It’s impossible to perform.” The coach described his approach as creating a “bubble” environment for the team, where they can concentrate on the emotional aspects of the moment without being distracted by external pressures or expectations. He urged the players to “think tomorrow and play like they are a child,” free from pressure and responsibility. This mindset, he explained, is about focusing on executing their duties without overcomplicating the task. Pochettino’s comments reflect a shift toward a more pragmatic, in-game strategy rather than relying on pre-match speeches to galvanize the squad. Pochettino, who has been in charge of the U.S. team since October 2024, confirmed that all 26 players on the squad are available for selection, including key center-back Chris Richards. While Richards’ role in the lineup remains uncertain, Pochettino stated that the starting XI has already been decided.#sofi_stadium #paraguay #usmnt #mauricio_pochettino #inglewood_california
