Sport: Soccer Country: Australia Category: Scores & Results

Pochettino downplays USA's favorite status ahead of knockout match

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 1, 2026, 1:51 AM

Last updated Jul 1, 2026

Pochettino downplays USA's favorite status ahead of knockout match

Summary

USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino stated his belief that the team is not a favorite in the World Cup, despite their previous wins against Paraguay and Australia. After a narrow loss to Turkey in their group stage finale, the USA will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. Pochettino acknowledged the challenges teams face and noted the USA's poor record against European opponents. He also apologized for his prior outburst over media criticism following the Turkey match and provided injury updates ahead of the match.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•USA won against Paraguay (4-1) and Australia (2-0) in group stage.
•The team lost 3-2 to Turkey, setting up a knockout match with Bosnia.
•Pochettino highlighted respect for Bosnia as a formidable opponent.
•Injury updates mention Auston Trusty as questionable and Roldan and McKenzie as doubtful.
•Pochettino apologized for a previous outburst in a press conference.

Latest Updates

1:51 AMYahoo Sports — USA’s Mauricio Pochettino downplays favorite label ahead of next World Cup match

What they're saying

"
USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino strongly believes they are not yet among the top contenders for this year’s World Cup. The Stars and Stripes opened their campaign with convincing wins against Paraguay (4-1) and Australia (2-0) before narrowly losing to…
— Yahoo Sports

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