US soccer team credits Pochettino for instilling strong mentality ahead of World Cup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 8:35 PM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
The U.S. soccer team maintains confidence after their World Cup-opening victory as they prepare to face Australia. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter attributes the team's resilience to head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has fostered a mentality of physicality and self-assertion. Berhalter noted lessons learned from a prior matchup against Australia, where the U.S. responded to a physical style of play. The Americans' recent 4-1 win over Paraguay showcases their improved mindset and tactical advancements. Christian Pulisic's status remains uncertain due to a calf injury, but the team is ready for a challenging encounter on Friday.
- •U.S. faces Australia in World Cup group stage on Friday.
- •Sebastian Berhalter cites Pochettino's influence on team mentality.
- •Physicality emphasized in past match against Australia.
- •U.S. won their last match 4-1 against Paraguay.
- •Christian Pulisic is listed as day-to-day with a calf injury.
- 10:27 AMYahoo Sports — Mauricio Pochettino drills American mindset ahead of World Cup clash with Australia
- 8:35 PMYahoo Sports — 'We're American. We don't take s---.' US says Pochettino instilled strong mentality for World Cup
"Although the cheers are still ringing in the Americans' ears after their impressive World Cup-opening victory, this U.S. team says it's prepared for the physical and mental challenges of the weeks ahead — including what's likely to be a physical meeting with Australia on Friday. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter gives credit for this tenacity to coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has taken over a team that repeatedly flopped on the international stage and infused it with a stronger mentality grounded in a few core beliefs. “I think that’s something that (Pochettino) really put in,” Berhalter continued.
"A fiesty friendly against Australia last October was key in fostering the aggressive, never-back-down persona that has led the USMNT to early World Cup success ahead of group match vs. Socceroos on Friday.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 10:27 AMMauricio Pochettino drills American mindset ahead of World Cup clash with Australia
A fiesty friendly against Australia last October was key in fostering the aggressive, never-back-down persona that has led the USMNT to early World Cup success ahead of group match vs. Socceroos on Friday.
- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 8:35 PM'We're American. We don't take s---.' US says Pochettino instilled strong mentality for World Cup
Although the cheers are still ringing in the Americans' ears after their impressive World Cup-opening victory, this U.S. team says it's prepared for the physical and mental challenges of the weeks ahead — including what's likely to be a physical meeting with Australia on Friday. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter gives credit for this tenacity to coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has taken over a team that repeatedly flopped on the international stage and infused it with a stronger mentality grounded in a few core beliefs. “I think that’s something that (Pochettino) really put in,” Berhalter continued.
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