Tampa, Florida – As the U.S. Men’s National Team wrapped up their final training session of 2025 on Monday, they appeared to be on a positive trajectory in what has been a rollercoaster year. The World Cup co-hosts are currently riding a four-game unbeaten streak, a welcome change from the previous four-game losing streak that took place during last summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. Their matchup against Uruguay on Tuesday offers a chance to conclude a challenging year for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad. This game is especially significant as it allows them to gauge their development against the same opponent that handed them a defeat in last year’s Copa America, which marked the end of Gregg Berhalter’s time as head coach.
That loss was the unofficial start of Pochettino’s overhaul of the team. U.S. Soccer recognized the need for radical changes ahead of the World Cup on home soil, prompting them to switch their captain during the course of the commitment.
Pochettino remarked on Monday, “The reason we’re here is that there was a problem, right? If not, I would have continued with the same project a year ago, as it’s not easy to change in the middle of a journey. One doesn’t change a captain mid-storm. We strive for confidence, but if things go awry, we must adapt.”
How to watch USMNT vs. Uruguay, odds:
- Date: Tuesday, November 18th | Time: 7 PM ET
- Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
- Odds: USMNT +250, Draw +210, Uruguay +115
Now, a year after that defeat in Kansas City, the transformation is evident. Only nine players from the Copa America roster are training together this month, highlighting how much Pochettino has reshaped the team. The squad’s identity is almost unrecognizable, especially in terms of playing style. The switch to a back three, first tried during the second half of a 2-0 loss to South Korea in September, has proven beneficial. Pochettino has also been rotating the lineup frequently, which is likely to continue following Saturday’s tight 2-1 win over Paraguay.
“Tomorrow is certainly a good chance for the players who didn’t feature in the first half against Paraguay,” Pochettino said. “It’s not just an opportunity for them, but also a quick way to involve them in matches.”
Pochettino’s insistence on patience from fans is beginning to yield results, and expectations for the USMNT to exhibit a cohesive style of play are rising. His strong attacking philosophy, developed over 16 years of coaching, is now apparent in the team’s performance, with Pochettino laying out clear principles that the squad is expected to adhere to, regardless of the players on the field.
“I believe identity comes from how we build from the back and respect game principles,” he explained. “It involves how we rotate, use space, and dominate play both defensively and offensively. While daily training allows for consistent dynamics, doing so on a national scale is tougher, but we aim to showcase that identity in the upcoming match.”
Defender Mark McKenzie noted that problem-solving is a crucial focus for Pochettino. “We analyzed their game and saw their aggression,” McKenzie said. “Our pressing and transition game were on point, particularly after losing possession. We need to control the tempo and find creative players in the final third.”
Physicality is also becoming a central aspect of the USMNT’s approach. The skirmish at the end of the Paraguay match showcased their determination, although Pochettino hopes this isn’t the defining element of their identity. Previously, under Berhalter, the team was criticized for its lack of energy, while now they are attempting to blend style with aggression, especially against teams like Paraguay and Uruguay, where no match can be taken lightly.
“It’s crucial to bring that intensity from the start, particularly when we’re pressing,” midfielder Tanner Tessman remarked. “Over the past year and a half with Pochettino, we’ve made significant strides, and it’s essential for us to maintain that edge.”
Pochettino continuously reminds his team that their rebuilding phase is far from over, especially following the Concacaf Nations League defeat in March which mandated a complete reset. However, with just three friendlies left and limited training sessions before he finalizes the roster for the World Cup, the USMNT is finally entering a more stable era amid its transitional phase.
“Yesterday, I shared with the players some phrases: ‘Let’s be realistic and achieve the impossible.’” Pochettino stated, highlighting various motivational quotes that have begun to resonate through press conferences and social media. “It’s important to see reality as it is. When what you perceive conflicts with reality, we need to shift that narrative. We aim to accomplish what seems unreachable and transform our circumstances. Our work is grounded; we need to reinforce our foundational principles and we must become better. Right now, we’re on the right path and our mindset has shifted positively.”
Fan Take: The USMNT’s transformation under Pochettino signifies a crucial moment for American soccer as the team prepares for the World Cup. This renewed focus on identity and intensity could pave the way for improved performances on the global stage, reigniting enthusiasm among fans and fostering a new era of competitiveness.
