Poch and Pulisic: U.S….

ATLANTA – Following the 2-0 loss to Portugal, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed that his team is “not far away” from overcoming opponents of that caliber, suggesting that a few “small details” require attention.

The U.S. conceded to Portugal, who are ranked fifth in FIFA’s world rankings, with goals scored by Francisco Trincão in the 37th minute and João Félix in the 59th minute, both assisted by Bruno Fernandes. The first goal resulted from a midfield turnover, where Fernandes took advantage of a through ball, delivering a backheel pass to Trincão as U.S. defender Chris Richards pressured him.

The second goal resulted from a set piece, where a defensive lapse allowed Fernandes’ delivery to be skillfully controlled by Félix, who struck from 21 yards out.

Pochettino commented, “I think we competed really well. For the first half and the first 20 minutes or so of the second half, we performed well. However, we lost the game in the small details.”

This match marked the second defeat for the U.S. during the March window, having previously lost to Belgium with a score of 5-2 just three days prior. Nevertheless, Pochettino regarded the camp as a success.

“This camp has been very positive,” he stated. “I consider it the conclusion of our preparation phase for the World Cup. The next roster will feature players directly involved. There are numerous things we need to evaluate in the upcoming weeks.”

“I feel more optimistic now than before, as I can see the team is close. It’s just a matter of refining the details.”

With Christian Pulisic playing as a central striker, the U.S. had opportunities to score but failed to capitalize. In the 22nd minute, Timothy Weah delivered a promising cross, but Pulisic could not connect. Later, he shot wide in the 36th minute following a good effort by Alex Freeman.

Pulisic displayed visible frustration on the pitch and received a yellow card during first-half stoppage time for a late challenge. This match marked Pulisic’s eighth consecutive game without a goal for the U.S., but Pochettino was not worried.

“Yes, he is frustrated, and that’s what we expect,” Pochettino remarked regarding Pulisic. “He was committed to our phases of play, and with his quality, I believe he will score again soon.”

Pulisic concurred with his coach about the team’s heading in a positive direction, expressing confidence that goals—he hasn’t scored for either club or country in 2026—would eventually come.

“I genuinely believe we are closer to success than people realize. We exerted significant pressure on [Belgium and Portugal] in the first half of both matches,” Pulisic stated. “If I can convert chances, which I know I will, the results can change. A few moments of lapses in concentration led to conceding goals, but I feel we were competitive.”

“Physically, I feel great—sharp and doing the right things. I need to assist and score more to help my team. It’s frustrating when I don’t, but I truly believe I’m on the verge of something good.”

The next gathering for the USMNT will occur after the final roster is released, with Pochettino still evaluating over 35 players for the 26 available positions.

“They now understand that there will be competition,” Pochettino mentioned regarding players in the final weeks leading to the May 26 roster announcement. “We will be monitoring every game and performance over the past year and a half to make the selections.”

The U.S. will next face Senegal in Charlotte on May 31, followed by a final World Cup preparatory match against Germany on June 6 in Chicago.

“It’s crucial for our development. We have a lot to learn,” Pochettino emphasized regarding the value of facing strong opponents. “We should engage in more matches like this because, despite the challenges, it’s essential for growth and understanding how top players and teams operate.”

Pochettino will guide the U.S. into Group D play at the World Cup, starting with their match against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.