USMNT falls 2-0 to South Korea as Pochettino defends World Cup-focused approach
Argentina coach says winning can wait until the World Cup as he tests younger players in September friendlies
The United States men's national team lost 2-0 to South Korea on Sunday, extending a run of poor results against top-ranked opposition and prompting pointed questions about coach Mauricio Pochettino's preparation strategy ahead of the World Cup.
Pochettino, asked after the match when the U.S. needed to start winning, replied, "We need to start to win when the World Cup starts." The Argentine framed the September friendlies as part of a process of exhausting options and evaluating fringe and younger players before tournament selection.
The match featured a U.S. attack that showed moments of promise but failed to convert, while a disorganized back line conceded a pair of first-half goals. Pochettino's selection for the friendlies left several regulars out of the squad as he sought final looks at emerging players such as Max Arfsten, Tristan Blackmon and Sebastian Berhalter.
Those evaluations yielded little in the way of positive results on the scoreboard. The loss continued a trend for the United States, which has now lost five consecutive matches against nations ranked inside the top 30 of the FIFA World Rankings. The defeat adds pressure as the coaching staff compiles a World Cup roster and finalizes tactics.
Pochettino has emphasized process over short-term outcomes, using the friendlies and the Gold Cup period to test personnel combinations and game plans. Critics argue that poor results against strong opponents undermine confidence and competitive sharpness, while supporters say experimentation is necessary to identify the best lineup for a major tournament.
After the match, Pochettino reiterated that he values the information gained from trialing players in competitive environments even when results suffer. He indicated that the overarching priority is to ensure the squad is as prepared as possible by the time the World Cup begins, acknowledging the tension between building for the future and securing immediate victories.
The United States will now assess the performances and make decisions on roster composition and tactical adjustments in the weeks ahead. Pochettino and his staff have said further friendlies and training sessions will inform their selections as they move toward finalizing plans for the World Cup.