Overview

• Former USMNT coach Bruce Arena expressed concerns over Mauricio Pochettino’s cultural understanding of U.S. soccer during a podcast with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard.
• Arena cited the USMNT’s losses to Panama and Canada in the recent CONCACAF Nations League Finals as evidence of a lack of pride and readiness under Pochettino.
• Pochettino, appointed in September 2024, was brought in to prepare the U.S. for the 2026 World Cup, which the country will co-host with Canada and Mexico.
• Arena argued that national teams are typically led by domestic coaches who better understand their country’s unique soccer environment and culture.
• The debate over Pochettino’s appointment underscores broader questions about the optimal coaching profile as the U.S. looks to improve ahead of the 2026 tournament.