Mauricio Pochettino has urged American soccer fans to intensify their support for the U.S. men’s national team as the buildup to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues.
Speaking after the USMNT’s 2–1 victory over Paraguay in Chester, Pennsylvania, the Argentine manager reiterated that stronger fan engagement is essential for creating a unified and competitive national team environment.
Pochettino pointed to countries like Argentina, Brazil, England, and Spain as examples where national teams command unwavering support.
He emphasized that the U.S. must build a similar culture, noting that a passionate fan base helps strengthen the connection between players and supporters.
“We need our fans to follow and support the national team,” he said. “Who’s the hero? The team. The team needs to be the hero.”
Attendance at Subaru Park reached 17,224, but Pochettino believes the numbers should be greater, especially with the World Cup just months away.
The USMNT has already played in 15 different cities this year, yet fans have repeatedly voiced concerns about rising ticket prices, a factor that some say has discouraged attendance. Even so, Pochettino insists that backing the team must become a priority.
The coach’s remarks also reflect ongoing frustrations he has expressed throughout the year.
In September, after a 2–0 loss to South Korea at Sports Illustrated Stadium, where the crowd was dominated by Korean supporters, Pochettino pleaded with Americans to “please come” support their own national team.
That defeat was the last before the team’s current five-match unbeaten run.
Pochettino has promised that the USMNT will be in peak condition by the time the World Cup begins, urging fans to trust the team’s progress.
Despite the concerns, there is optimism that American support will surge once the World Cup begins. The United States has led global ticket sales through the initial phases of the tournament’s ticketing process, offering hope that World Cup stadiums will be filled with pro-USMNT crowds when the team steps onto the world stage in 2026.
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