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Bill Connelly
Multiple Authors
CHICAGO — U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed that he could finally sense the enthusiasm he anticipated from American fans during his team’s 2-1 defeat to Germany on Saturday at Soldier Field—the last match before the upcoming World Cup.
The game saw a sellout crowd of 63,636 attendees, just days following a match in Charlotte, North Carolina, where 57,741 fans witnessed the U.S. team beat Senegal.
Right back Sergiño Dest noted he was “pretty surprised” by the crowd in Charlotte, while Pochettino and midfielder Tyler Adams both praised the atmosphere in Chicago following Saturday’s game.
“Perhaps my expectation was misguided, thinking the excitement surrounding the U.S. team a year and a half ago would be matched today,” Pochettino remarked. “That may have been my error. We had to rekindle that enthusiasm. At the outset of our World Cup journey one and a half years ago, we may have anticipated too much too soon.
“But now, you can truly feel the vibe.”
As the U.S. has secured an automatic spot in the 2026 World Cup due to its hosting status, it has become increasingly challenging to engage the American soccer audience in recent years. Except for two Nations League doubleheaders in 2024, which also featured matches against Mexico, only one U.S. game had seen attendance surpass 35,000 until this spring, with 12 of 16 matches attracting fewer than 21,000 fans.
However, attendance and enthusiasm have surged as the World Cup approaches, even in light of multigoal losses in two highly attended spring friendlies.
“Absolutely incredible. This is the type of atmosphere you wish for, whether it’s a send-off or a regular match,” Adams stated post-game. “These are the environments we need. Chicago is an incredible sports city and has a passion for football; it’s amazing to be supported like that by such dedicated fans.”
Despite conceding an early set-piece goal to Kai Havertz in the second minute, the Americans controlled most of the play in the following hour and equalized before halftime with a spectacular volley from Antonee Robinson.
Leroy Sané‘s goal in the 57th minute restored the lead for the visitors, as the U.S. forced several late saves before the final whistle.
“To concede a goal right at the start was tough, yet the team’s reaction was very positive,” Pochettino reflected after the match.
From the third minute through the 56th, the U.S. attempted 11 shots compared to Germany’s seven, produced 0.8 expected goals against Germany’s 0.43, and crucially found an equalizer through Robinson.
“Witnessing our reaction was key,” Pochettino continued. “Seeing the character and togetherness under pressure was impressive. At that moment, when Havertz scored, I was obviously disappointed, but witnessing our comeback was remarkable.”
The USMNT’s World Cup campaign kicks off against Paraguay on Friday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.