UMVA has learned that former President Donald Trump sent a bold boost of confidence to U.S. men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino ahead of the United States’ thunderous 4‑1 victory over Paraguay.
The message, delivered just hours before the match, praised Pochettino’s track record and hailed the squad’s talent, declaring, “You’ve got a real chance of going all the way. I wish you a lot of luck.”
That endorsement arrived as the host nation ignited the World Cup 2026 with a dream‑start, while co‑host Mexico followed suit with a 2‑0 win over South Africa and Canada settled for a draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Pochettino, celebrated for his spell at Tottenham and trophy‑laden tenure at Paris Saint‑Germain, now finds himself among the tournament’s elite coaches, tasked with turning American optimism into a historic run.
Analysts note that the United States faces a gauntlet of powerhouse nations—Spain, France, England, Brazil and Argentina—all poised to battle for the coveted trophy.
Yet the unexpected political pep talk has added a layer of intrigue, sparking conversations across stadiums and living rooms about whether the United States can truly defy the odds and march to the final.
