USMNT impress under Mauricio Pochettino: How USA soccer coach is laying the foundation ahead of 2026 World Cup

An emphatic win over Jamaica has created positive vibes, but there are other reasons why fans should be excited about what's to come

It may have only lasted for 45 minutes, but for the first time in the Mauricio Pochettino era, we saw the potential of what the United States men's national team can accomplish under the Argentine. While injuries were still an issue, with Tim Weah back in the fold for the first time since the Copa America, Pochettino had the closet thing that he has had to a full-strength starting XI and they exploded in the first half for three goals on home soil defeating Jamaica 4-2 (5-2 on aggregate) to book a place in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals.

The USMNT struggled in Kingston during the first leg but were still able to excel in St. Louis. It's the Concacaf way to survive on the road and strive at home but that's what they did. The four goals are the most that the USMNT have scored in over a year. They last scored four in October of 2023 against Ghana before spiraling under Gregg Berhalter during the Copa America, leading to his sacking and Pochettino's appointment. 

In the Argentine's first camp, the USMNT struggled and lost to Mexico in Guadalajara. Growing pains are to be expected but as the coach begins to instill his ideals, but progress is also expected and facing the Reggae Boyz, that's exactly what was seen.