The United States men’s national team (USMNT) manager, Mauricio Pochettino, identifies as “200% Argentine.” Despite this, he is immersing himself in American culture during the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
One memorable moment occurred when Pochettino exuberantly sang John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” following the USMNT’s victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on July 1.
Looking ahead, Major League Baseball is on the agenda. On July 2, the Seattle Mariners announced that Pochettino and the USMNT will throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Mariners’ game against the Toronto Blue Jays at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on July 3.
An endearing video captured on July 2 by FOX Sports’ Doug McIntyre shows goalkeeper Matt Turner teaching Pochettino how to throw a baseball. Additionally, the USMNT’s Instagram account shared footage of Christian Pulisic, Chris Richards, and Weston McKennie practicing their throw technique.
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 World Cup encounter with Belgium happened in 2014, where they were defeated 2-1 in the Round of 16. More recently, Belgium outplayed the USMNT 5-2 in an international friendly in late March.
Pochettino is unfazed by the USMNT’s previous underwhelming World Cup performances and remains optimistic about their chances. “Why not us?” he expressed after defeating Bosnia.
A win against Belgium would secure the USMNT’s first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 2002, where they lost to Germany.