Former United States national team coach Gregg Berhalter expresses optimism that Mauricio Pochettino’s squad can achieve remarkable success in the World Cup and contribute to the ongoing development of soccer in the nation.
With co-hosts Mexico and Canada kicking off their campaigns, all attention will shift to Los Angeles, where the U.S. will face Paraguay in Friday’s opening match of Group D.
Berhalter plans to watch the U.S. play its first home World Cup match since 1994 from the stands at So-Fi Stadium and has faith in his successor, Pochettino, to make this summer memorable.
“This is an exciting time for soccer fans in the United States and for the general public,” Berhalter told the Press Association. “We get to experience the World Cup on our home turf, welcoming visitors from around the world to celebrate the beautiful game in this grand tournament.”
“We have a strong team, with thirteen players returning as World Cup veterans from the last tournament. Nineteen have experience from the previous cycle and played significant roles then, making me confident that this squad can go deep into the tournament.”
“Playing at home gives us an advantage, and we are anticipating great things from the team this cycle.”
Berhalter guided the U.S. to the Round of 16 at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, where they faced a 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands. Handling the pressure to match that achievement at the largest-ever World Cup will be a challenge for Pochettino.
“I have a good rapport with him,” Berhalter noted regarding the former Tottenham coach. “He’s emphasizing competitiveness and the importance of fighting for the jersey, which is essential for a home World Cup. You want players who will give their all for the team. He has done well with the group, and now the focus is on performance.”
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Key players such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams return from four years ago, while Berhalter is eager to see Chris Richards and Folarin Balogun shine this summer.
However, he is especially excited about watching his son, Sebastian, who has followed in his father’s footsteps by being selected for the World Cup as a midfielder for the Vancouver Whitecaps. “Having your son represent the U.S. at a home World Cup is a dream come true, and I’d gladly trade places with him any day,” Berhalter shared.
Both Berhalter and his son reflect the legacy established by the 1994 World Cup in the U.S., which paved the way for Major League Soccer’s formation.
“That was the starting point,” the Chicago Fire coach acknowledged. “The investment from Major League Soccer ownership in world-class facilities, including stadiums and training grounds, along with youth development initiatives, has brought us to where we are now.”
When asked about building on this summer’s World Cup, Berhalter concluded, “We need to keep bringing in world-class players. The arrival of Lionel Messi in the league has raised our global profile and continues to attract top talent to MLS while also nurturing our own. If we keep this momentum, soccer will continue to thrive.”