USA soccer coach Mauricio Pochettino doesn’t care about losing to Turkey, and neither should you.
Look out your windows this morning, US Men’s National Team fans. The sun has risen in the East and the sky is not falling.
Despite what you may have read on social media while sipping your morning coffee, all is not lost following America’s loss to Turkey in their final group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Christian Pulisic of the United States watches during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Türkiye and the US at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, on June 25, 2026. (Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
No, the USMNT won’t go into the playoffs flawless, but they’re still heading into the knockout stages as it is, which was the goal all along.
It was the first time since the introduction of the group stages that the United States won their team before the final day of play, so this is still an unfamiliar place for many American fans.
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Don’t worry! Think of this as a Week 18 game in the NFL after your team finishes its division, because there wasn’t much to play for.
The starting 11 showed this feeling, as many players were seeing the field for the first time in the tournament, while several starters got a much-deserved rest or were held out to avoid yellow card issues.
Auston Trusty celebrates with his teammates after scoring the United States’ first goal in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match against Türkiye at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, on June 25, 2026. (Jared C. Tilton/FIFA via Getty Images)
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino is not worried either.
The confident captain had to remind members of the media and fans alike that the team had already won their team, so there was no need to make a molehill from this result, telling FOX’s Jenny Taft that the performance was “very good.”
Sounds to me like a guy who hates losing but still can see the big picture.
Judging by the way his post-game presser handled the media, he was a little upset that there was no more celebration until the end of the team game.
And look at his reaction to the game-winning goal from Turkey.
It doesn’t look like he’s worried about his team going forward.
Show me more emotion by ordering a pizza.
The fact of the matter is, none of this should carry over to the USMNT’s knockout rounds next week against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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The back line in particular featured an entirely new group of players, and the defense was without their heart and soul in Tyler Adams.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between the United States and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on June 12, 2026. (Omar Vega/Getty Images)
Take a breath, folks.
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The USMNT may lose in the round of 32, but I doubt it will be because of a late (and controversial) goal against Turkey after sitting two-thirds of their starters.
Have some faith in Pochettino and the boys. I think the kids will be fine.
