Pochettino Ahead of the 2026 World Cup Opening Match: It's Not the Time to Give a Motivational Speech for the US National Team

JAKARTA - The coach of the United States National Team (US National Team), Mauricio Pochettino, said that the time for fiery speeches was over and his team was ready for the opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Paraguay on Saturday, June 13, 2026, morning WIB.

Pochettino said he could be the best motivational speaker, but no speech would replace it if a player was not ready.

"I think now is the time for them to build a way to prepare themselves emotionally and mentally. I think everyone knows how to be ready."

"I think now they don't need external motivation or inspirational speeches. If you know the players and the mindset of the players, they need (that) before to get the best."

"They need motivational speeches. When they need to train and improve themselves in every area, tomorrow is too late."

"If they are not ready, I can be the best at motivating the players with my speeches. If you are not ready, sorry, it is impossible to perform at your best," said the Argentine coach.

Pochettino said all 26 players were available for selection, including defender Chris Richards, who returned to full training this week after recovering from an ankle injury.

"I think we celebrate the readiness to start the tournament with 26 players ready to be selected. Chris is ready to be selected and then we will decide whether he will play from the start of the match or from the bench, but I think we celebrate the hard work of our medical staff and performance staff in recovering him," said Pochettino.

Pochettino also said he had decided on a starting XI, but did not reveal who was in it.

"Something is developing within the team and what we can say so far today is that all conditions are very positive and we are very happy," he said.

The US coach also reflected on how his team has improved during his 20 months in charge.

"I think in the end, consistent in our fight, I think. That's why we can say that (we) arrived in very good condition."

"I think it's a big step and will be a great legacy for the future," he said.

The US will host the 2026 World Cup, along with Canada and Mexico, for the first time since 1994.

Meanwhile, for Paraguay, Pochettino said he thought the match at the SoFi Stadium would be very difficult and highlighted La Albirroja's record in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, which included victories over Argentina and Brazil.

"My expectation is that it will be a very difficult match and it is the opening match for us. I think it will be difficult because Paraguay only knows how to be competitive and aggressive."

"They have a good quality coach. Gustavo Alfaro did a great job. I have a lot of respect and admiration for him and I think it will be very difficult," he said.

Pochettino was asked how this American team could inspire the country's fans so that they celebrated the victory in the streets as Argentina did when winning the World Cup, or even as the New York Knicks did after winning the NBA finals game 4 on Thursday, June 11, 2026 WIB.

"I think it's contagious and we need to play with passion. We need to win the game, that's very important, but play with passion, to translate and make the fans feel proud of what they see on the pitch."

"I think it's to create an emotional connection and then you'll do the rest to try to get people to celebrate."

"However, we need to win. The important thing is to win. If we want to win, we need the support of the fans. I know after (the friendly match in) Charlotte and Chicago that the fans support the team," said Pochettino.