CARSON, California – After a disappointing semifinal loss, the US Men`s National Team is determined to refocus and build a stronger, more aggressive mentality as they head into Sunday`s game against Canada.
The recent defeat added to a series of underwhelming results for the USMNT, raising concerns about the team`s mental toughness and ability to reach their potential in time for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Mauricio Pochettino and players alike have acknowledged a lack of competitive edge, a point midfielder Tyler Adams supports.
Adams admitted that criticism is justified, stating that the team needs to earn praise through improved performance.
The team addressed this issue in a meeting led by Pochettino, aiming to rectify their shortcomings.
Winger Timothy Weah described the meeting as positive, where Pochettino emphasized the need for a “killer mentality,” full commitment, and collective effort to achieve their goals.
Following the loss, players engaged in both formal and informal discussions, critically evaluating their weaknesses.
Weah acknowledged a tendency to relax against perceived weaker opponents, which echoed Pochettino`s view that the issue was not solely on the players.
Pochettino Calls for Increased Intensity
Pochettino urged the team to bring the same intensity they show at their club teams, where losses carry significant consequences. He felt there was a sense of complacency, an assumption that victory would come without aggressive play. He stressed the need to be proactive, score early and decisively, and maintain intensity throughout the game, pointing to the first 45 minutes as a period of wasted opportunity in their recent match.
Pochettino also attributed the issues to the team`s relative newness under his leadership. Having only coached a few games, and with players joining at different times due to injuries and schedules, he believes the team might be overthinking instructions instead of reacting instinctively and capitalizing on scoring chances.
He emphasized that scoring is the primary objective and that while structure is important, the team needs to be more aggressive in attack. He believes they are missing the competitive edge necessary for implementing his tactics effectively and competing against energetic teams like Canada.
Adams: `We Need to Raise Our Standards`
Adams stressed that the team must match and exceed the intensity of every opponent in Concacaf, not just Canada, using Panama as a recent example. He insisted on setting the tone from the start of each game, rather than waiting to react, as passivity can lead to defeat. He emphasized that representing their country should be inherent motivation, regardless of the game`s stakes.
Weah believes the upcoming game against Canada offers a chance to demonstrate the USMNT`s true potential, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching. He sees the loss to Panama as a valuable learning experience, allowing the team to refine their approach under Pochettino. Weah is optimistic that significant progress will be seen in the coming year, leading up to the World Cup, as Pochettino helps the team reach its full potential and negative results like the Panama game contribute to essential adjustments and growth.
