Advertisement
Pochettino: USA prepared for any eventualities, including penalties
01st July, 2026 11:27 AM
USA coach Mauricio Pochettino has delved into their build-up to the crunch World Cup round of 32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.
The hosts head into the clash hoping to win a knockout match for the first time since the 2002 edition, and the 54-year-old coach stated that they are leaving no stone unturned and nothing to chance for a berth in the round of 16.
USA advances
The United States booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout rounds after defeating Australia on Matchday 9, Friday, June 19, 2026, and now looks to enter the next stages and join a host of shock teams to spring an upset against European opposition.
Speaking on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, he said preparation for the pressure of penalties has also been part of their game if the tie is ultimately to be decided from the spot kicks.
Prepared for penalties
“Yes, we will be ready if it comes to penalties. We started working with a few companies in that area because I think it is really important. I do not want to say too much about it, but we have been working on it because, as a coaching staff, we believe we can give the players tools to improve and help them find the best way to deal with situations like this.”
Asked about their round of 32 opponents, Pochettino made it clear that they would not underestimate them.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina are a very combative, aggressive, and physical team, but they are also well organised and have a very good coach,” Pochettino stated in an interview with FIFA.
“When you watch their group-stage matches or their qualifier against Italy in March, you can see they have quality. It’s not just that they are aggressive and well organised, We have complete respect for Bosnia and Herzegovina. I don’t believe we are the favourites. Over the past few days, we’ve all seen how difficult this World Cup is. I think it’s easier to talk about favourites after the matches, not before.”
Part of his philosophy has involved trying to drill the mentality of approaching every single match as a final, which he hopes could prove pivotal for his players.
“Of course, tomorrow is a final, but the game against Paraguay was a final too. We tried to recreate that feeling when we played [the warm-up matches against] Germany in Chicago, Senegal in Charlotte, Uruguay in Tampa, and Paraguay in Philadelphia. We wanted to recreate those emotions and that intensity.”
The tie kicks off at 3:00 am on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
