KENNEDY CENTER (WASHINGTON, D.C.)

More than a year ago, shortly after his hiring, coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed boundless optimism at a press conference regarding what the USA can achieve in the upcoming World Cup. “We need to believe,” he asserted, “that we can win the World Cup.”

On Friday, following the group stage draw, Pochettino reiterated this sentiment, with the USA set to confront Paraguay and Australia in the initial phase. The final match of Group D will pit the Americans against either Türkiye, Kosovo, Romania, or Slovakia.

Mauricio Pochettino reacted to the draw:
“We need to be optimistic.”

Tim Ream, a veteran defender for the USA, voiced the team’s ambitious aspirations stating that the goal is to win the tournament and not merely participate.

Tyler Adams, the captain, echoed this optimism: “Our idea is to win. That’s the goal.”

While only a handful of nations have ever lifted the trophy, Pochettino believes miracles are possible. He reflected on how the 2004 movie Miracle, depicting the USA’s iconic hockey team defeating the Soviet Union, became a source of inspiration, defining the team’s mindset with the mantra to “do the impossible”.

The coach is determined: “Win the World Cup,” he declared as he cut off a reporter mid-question when asked about his metrics for success in the upcoming tournament.

As the USA prepares for the World Cup, they will need to focus not only on their group stage opponents but also concentrate on winning that vital opener against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles.

Christian Pulisic sums it up best: “We’re definitely looking forward to that one. Being able to play a World Cup in our home country, you can’t ask for anything better.”

Each member of the USA team is buzzing with excitement, dreaming big dreams as they approach this milestone tournament.