USMNT spanks Panama in Mauricio Pochettino’s first game

The USMNT, on Saturday, spanked Panama 2-0 in a game that kick-started the Mauricio Pochettino era in front of a 20,239 crowd in Austin, Texas. 

AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah – who played a wider role for the Americans in his maiden start under the new coach – netted the first goal in the forty-ninth minute before a late goal from PSV striker – Pepi doubled the lead and ultimately sealed the victory. 

On his debut as an international manager, the former Chelsea coach went for the experienced international goalkeeper, Matt Turner, in goal in a play-from-the-back system that culminated in a performance that was far from the best a Pochettino team could offer. 

Regardless of the few sloppy mistakes from the Americans, they found a way to get the win against Panama, who had upset them in the group stage of the Copa America in July – a loss that precipitated the exit of the Americans from the tournament and led to the appointment of Pochettino. 

This decent result is expected to help build confidence and bring back the feel-good factor inside the USMNT camp, which has been missing since the team’s exit from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Pochettino was appointed in September to replace the erstwhile USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter, who was dismissed after the Americans’ exit at the last Copa America. He stated that the game signals the start of preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

“There are many things to improve, to correct, but this is the beginning of a process that has to arrive in 2026 [at the World Cup] in the best condition. I am also happy because we have won, and whenever you win, things are easier to correct and improve.” Pochettino said.

The Americans are set to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico and will face a stronger side – Mexico – their biggest rival in Guadalajara on Tuesday. 

Tuesday’s friendly is the first on Mexican soil since they both locked horns on August 15, 2012, when the USMNT pipped Mexico 1-0 at the Azteca – the only time they have found joy while playing in Mexico.