Pochettino believes USMNT can rank No. 1 soon

U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino believes the team can become the best in the world within the next five to ten years. Pochettino made this statement as the team prepares for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. His contract runs through the tournament, and he has a clear vision for the future of U.S. soccer. He praised the development of a new $200 million training center in Atlanta, set to open before the World Cup. Pochettino sees this facility as a crucial step in making soccer a serious sport in the U.S. He noted that it would provide a home for soccer in the country. Pochettino responded to comments made by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who suggested that the U.S. could win the World Cup next year. While he questioned Infantino's knowledge of the team's players, Pochettino was open to the idea of winning with the support of fans and the right conditions. To reach their goal of becoming the top team, the U.S. must excel in several areas. The current player pool is considered strong, with many players competing in top European leagues. Stars like Christian Pulisic and Antonee Robinson are showing great success, though some others are struggling to find regular playing time. Building depth and consistency within the team is essential. This month’s Concacaf Nations League games will test the players’ capabilities. While many are ready to compete, injuries have led to a reliance on players from the MLS-focused January camp. Achieving a deep run in the 2026 World Cup remains ambitious. A more realistic target might be matching the team's quarterfinal finish in 2002. The development of younger talent over the next decade is still uncertain, but learning from other nations' youth programs could help close the gap. Quality players are vital, but effective coaching is also crucial. Pochettino aims to elevate this promising group of athletes, similar to the success of coaches in Argentina and France. While talent is important, successful teams often need a cohesive strategy to achieve their goals.