Pochettino’s shorthanded USMNT faces a stern test in Mexico, emphasizing the need for challenging encounters. His debut match as head coach saw the Americans triumph over Panama, showcasing his ability to command attention and respect on the international stage.
“Of course it’s going to be special,” Pochettino remarked during his pre-match press conference. “Special for our fans and special for Mexican fans.”
The match at the 50,000-seat Estadio Akron in Guadalajara marks the 78th encounter between these North American rivals, a rivalry that has spanned nearly a century.
El Tri has secured victory in 36 of these matchups. However, the U.S. holds a 21W-13L-13T record against Mexico over the last thirty years, which includes the memorable 2-0 “dos a cero” win in the round of 16 at the 2002 World Cup held in Korea/Japan.
As they head into Tuesday’s match, the Americans are riding a historic seven-game unbeaten streak against Mexico. In March, the U.S. overcame their chief rival in front of a sea of green-clad El Tri supporters in Arlington, Texas, clinching their third consecutive Concacaf Nations League title.
Winning in Mexico, however, presents a different challenge. Only one USMNT squad has managed to achieve victory in 28 attempts: Jurgen Klinsmann’s team in a 2012 exhibition at the iconic Azteca Stadium, where Mexican-American defender Michael Orozco netted the decisive goal.
Similar to the U.S. team, Mexico also has a new manager in Javier Aguirre. The 65-year-old has previously led his country on two occasions, including during the 2002 World Cup. Aguirre has a connection with Pochettino, having taken over at Spanish club Espanyol in 2012 when Pochettino departed for Southampton in the Premier League. Given the long winless streak and the managerial changes, El Tri and their supporters are eager to secure their first victory over the U.S. this decade.
“I think the atmosphere is going to be great,” Pochettino stated. “We need this type of game. To feel adversity. To feel that we are going to compete not only with the team that is in front of us, but with the atmosphere that we need to manage.”
Before the match even begins, the U.S. squad must navigate challenges.
Stars like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie were among five players sent back to their clubs due to minor injuries or load management, alongside keeper Zack Steffen, fullback Marlon Fossey, and forward Ricardo Pepi, who scored in the recent game against Panama.
“It’s a little bit sad because these guys wanted to help and play for the team,” Pochettino expressed. “But at the same time, when one door closes, another opens. This provides opportunities for other players. For us, it’s another game to learn.”
This match stands as the toughest test Pochettino’s squad will face until next year, regardless of who they draw in the upcoming Nations League quarterfinals. The Argentine coach focuses less on his opponents and more on his team’s development.
“Facing Mexico is a challenge,” Pochettino acknowledged. “But the most important thing, as I told the players against Panama, is to challenge ourselves. It’s about improving our playing style, evolving as a team in our mentality, attitude, and competitive spirit.”
While achieving a second-ever win in Mexico is a clear objective for Tuesday, the overarching goal of preparing for a successful 2026 World Cup on home soil drives every decision made by Pochettino and his staff during this initial camp. They believe that improvement must come from within, focusing on one game at a time, regardless of the opponent or venue.
“For us, we are our worst enemy,” Pochettino concluded. “We need to challenge ourselves to keep getting better.”
