Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of the United States men’s national team (USMNT), is displaying his enthusiasm for American culture while participating in the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup. Even though he considers himself “200% Argentine,” his recent activities have shown otherwise.
A notable moment occurred when Pochettino energetically sang John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” following the team’s victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on Wednesday, July 1.
Pochettino and the USMNT are also scheduled to engage in another American pastime. The Seattle Mariners announced that they will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before their game against the Toronto Blue Jays at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Friday evening, July 3.
On Thursday, during practice, FOX Sports’ Doug McIntyre captured a heartwarming video of goalkeeper Matt Turner giving Pochettino a lesson in throwing a baseball. The USMNT’s official Instagram account shared footage of Christian Pulisic, Chris Richards, and Weston McKennie practicing their pitches as well.
Looking ahead, the USMNT is set to face Belgium in the Round of 16 at Lumen Field in Seattle on Monday, July 6, at 8 p.m. EST. Their last encounter in a World Cup occurred in 2014, during which Belgium narrowly defeated the U.S., 2-1. More recently, Belgium secured a 5-2 victory over the USMNT in an international friendly in late March.
Nevertheless, Pochettino remains unfazed by the team’s previous World Cup performances. He expressed confidence in their current potential, stating, “Why not us?” after their defeat of Bosnia.
If the USMNT triumphs over Belgium, it will mark the team’s first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 2002, when they were defeated by Germany.
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