Pochettino charges USA players to keep believing after Australia victory
Mauricio Pochettino has charged the United States of America’s team to keep the faith following their impressive 2-0 win over Australia on Friday in their second match at the 2026 World Cup.
The hosts recorded their second consecutive win in the tournament to book their place in the second round in style.
Cameron Burgess own goal and Alex Freeman’s strike ensured the maximum points for the Americans.
The US secured a place in the last 32 with consecutive wins at a World Cup for the first time since 1930. They will also finish as the group winner after Turkey lost to Paraguay.
It was the first time since 1930 that they had won two World Cup games in a row, and they are just one win away from setting a new record for total victories at a World Cup.
Pochettino was impressed with the team’s performance while calling on the players to keep believing as they chase history.
He said: “We need to keep believing, like from day one, that we can win – knowing that we have to work really hard, and at the same time, enjoy the time together.
“This (win) has not changed my views or my dreams… I think it’s much better when you show good performances and win the games… We need to go for the next one.
“What I saw [was] a team that really believe in what it is doing with different plans and with a different approach.
“I think that capacity to adapt to the different demands of the game, and also our demand, like a coaching staff planning, different approach on the games. I think only I can say good and fantastic things about my players. They were fantastic.”
The former Chelsea manager also praised the supporters for the warm reception in the encounter.
Pochettino said: “The warm reception and the way they celebrated the victory, they made me feel very emotional.
“It was a perfect connection between the energy in the stands and the team. I think that makes us feel very proud because to connect with the people was what we wanted, and if we want to achieve good things, we need the support of our fans.”
Read Also: Turkey eliminated from World Cup after loss to Paraguay
USA will be back in action against Turkey on Friday while Paraguay will take on Australia on the same day.
Top Stats From USA vs Australia
7 – Felix Zwayer handed out seven cards in USA – Australia, the most for any referee at this FIFA World Cup.
2 – The #USMNT has won two straight FIFA World Cup matches for the second time and the first since their first two all-time matches in the competition in 1930
1 – The USA are the first team in FIFA World Cup history to benefit from an own goal in two consecutive matches.
7 – The #USMNT has won all seven competitive matches its played in Seattle, its best 100-percent record in competitive matches in any city.
The #USMNT ’s last eight FIFA World Cup goals (excluding own goals) have been scored by players under 25 years old, equaling the longest such streak in competition history (Poland – 8 straight between 1938 and 1974).
