Who are the USMNT's opponents in the World Cup group stage?

The USMNT will face Australia, Paraguay, and the winner of a European playoff match.

Does playing friendlies against World Cup opponents help?

Coach Mauricio Pochettino believes friendly matches do not offer an advantage due to differing circumstances and stakes compared to the World Cup.

What is Pochettino's message to the USMNT players?

Pochettino emphasizes the urgency and passion required for the World Cup, treating each group stage game as a final.

Home / Sports / Pochettino: Friendlies won't help US World Cup prep

Pochettino: Friendlies won't help US World Cup prep

6 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Coach Pochettino dismisses friendly matches as advantage for US World Cup draw.
USMNT will face Australia, Paraguay, and a European playoff winner.
Pochettino emphasizes urgency and passion for the World Cup experience.

Pochettino: Friendlies won't help US World Cup prep

Mauricio Pochettino, coach for the United States Men's National Team, has stated that playing potential World Cup opponents in recent friendlies offers no distinct advantage. The USMNT's group includes Australia, Paraguay, and a yet-to-be-determined European playoff winner, all of whom the team has recently faced.

Pochettino emphasized that the high stakes and differing circumstances of a World Cup tournament make any prior friendly results irrelevant. He plans to instill a sense of urgency and passion in his players, drawing from his own past World Cup experiences.

He highlighted the unparalleled magnitude of the World Cup, urging his team to focus on immediate group stage games as if each were a final. Preparations are centered on the present challenges rather than potential future matchups in the tournament.