On the eve of what would be his first competitive loss in charge of the United States men’s national team, Mauricio Pochettino made a statement that, in hindsight, turned out to be eerily prescient. The Argentine coach, known for his thoughtful approach, discussed the importance of timing, form, and player situations in football.
At the time, the United States appeared to be in a strong position, with key players like Christian Pulisic enjoying some of the best form of his career at AC Milan, Weston McKennie thriving at Juventus, and Tyler Adams finally healthy and making an impact at Bournemouth. But little did Pochettino know that timing, in this case, would not be in his favor as his team fell to a frustrating 1-0 defeat against Panama in the Concacaf Nations League semi-final.
A Rocky Start for Pochettino
Going into the match, expectations were high for the USMNT, who were looking to bounce back after a string of disappointing results in recent competitions. Pochettino, who took over the team after Gregg Berhalter’s departure, had promised a more aggressive and dynamic style of play. But the reality of the situation became clear as the game unfolded. The US looked disjointed, lacking the intensity and sharpness needed to break down Panama’s defense. While the second half saw an improvement in energy and effort, the team’s struggles to create meaningful chances ultimately cost them. A last-minute goal from Panama’s Cecilio Waterman sealed the fate of the US, leaving Pochettino with a lot to ponder after the final whistle.
Missed Opportunities and Tactical Failures
The game had a familiar feel to it for US soccer fans, who have witnessed their team falter in important matches on home soil in recent years. Panama, who had previously knocked the US out of the Gold Cup and caused them significant problems in last year’s Copa América, once again proved to be a tough opponent. The United States created several chances, with Josh Sargent and Patrick Agyemang both squandering opportunities, but it was Panama who capitalized when it mattered. Waterman’s 94th-minute strike was the only real chance of the match, but it proved to be enough.
In his post-match press conference, Pochettino did not mince words, acknowledging that his team lacked aggression, particularly in the first half, which he described as “really painful.” He emphasized that simply wearing the US jersey would not be enough to win matches at this level, urging his players to work harder, win duels, and fight for every opportunity. Pochettino’s honesty and forthrightness were evident, as he pointed to the need for his squad to raise their level if they were to be successful.
The Path to the 2026 World Cup
With just over a year to go before the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the loss to Panama raises important questions about the USMNT’s preparation. While the team will have another chance to prove themselves in the upcoming Gold Cup, it is clear that they will face challenges in ensuring they are ready for the World Cup. The loss against Panama, compounded by injuries to key players like Sergiño Dest, Antonee Robinson, Ricardo Pepi, and Folarin Balogun, means that Pochettino will need to make the most of the limited opportunities he has to get the team back on track.
History Offers Some Hope
While the loss is a blow to the USMNT’s confidence, history suggests that host teams have often managed to turn their form around just in time for the World Cup. For example, Mexico in 1986 and the United States in 1994 both had shaky preparations, only to put together strong performances in the tournament itself. Similarly, France won just two of their six matches before lifting the 1998 World Cup, and Germany lost 4-1 to Italy three months before staging the 2006 World Cup, yet both teams made strong runs in the tournament.
This historical precedent offers some hope for the USMNT, who have 15 months to get their act together before the World Cup begins. But that doesn’t mean Pochettino and his players can rest on their laurels. The road ahead is long, and with continued struggles against Panama and other Concacaf teams, the United States will need to work tirelessly to ensure they are ready to compete on the world stage.
A Long Road Ahead
Ultimately, the loss to Panama might prove to be a wake-up call for both Pochettino and the USMNT. The players have the talent, but they need to develop the mentality and tactical discipline required to succeed at the highest level. The pressure will only intensify as the World Cup draws closer, and Pochettino’s ability to adapt and get the best out of his squad will be crucial.
While the loss is a setback, it is by no means the end of the road. The USMNT still has time to correct its course, and with the right adjustments, they can emerge as serious contenders in 2026. For now, though, it’s back to the drawing board for Pochettino and his team, who will have to overcome this defeat and focus on building for the future.
