Pochettino targets World Cup win with USA

New USA coach Mauricio Pochettino has set his sights on winning the World Cup and says they should be inspired by the country’s women’s team and “best coach in the world” Emma Hayes.

The former Tottenham and Chelsea boss was named the manager of the men’s team on Tuesday.

The United States last reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2002 but have never won the tournament.

With the USA co-hosting the 2026 World Cup along with Canada and Mexico, Pochettino feels that will be a tournament his players should feel confident they can win.

“We need to believe in big things that we can win, not only a game, but the World Cup,” he said.

“If we don’t the journey will be difficult. We have to think big. That is the only way to put your talent in the service of the team. It is a massive challenge.”

The USA women’s team won the World Cup in 2015 and 2019 and recently appointed Hayes as manager.

The 47-year-old took the job after a hugely successful spell at Chelsea, where she won the Women’s Super League seven times from 2015.

Last month, Hayes led the USA to gold-medal success at the Olympic Games in Paris.

Pochettino was at Chelsea at the same time as Hayes during the 2023-24 season and spoke highly of her coaching ability.

“In Emma we have the best coach in the world,” he added.

“The women’s team has won everything. We need to match them. They need to be our inspiration, not only with results but in the way they create the philosophy to defend the country, the badge and the culture.

“We want to create something special.”