Former U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter backs Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for a memorable 2026 World Cup, calling the tournament a turning point for American soccer. Watching from SoFi Stadium as Los Angeles faces Paraguay, Berhalter praised the team’s blend of veterans and newcomers, noting the home‑field advantage will lift expectations for all fans and supporters today.

Berhalter highlighted that 13 players are returning World Cup veterans, with 19 having played important roles in Qatar. He praised Pochettino’s emphasis on competition and fighting for the jersey, saying the new manager’s focus aligns with the nation’s goal of maximizing home‑ground advantage and delivering a historic run for the nation and its fans today.

Key names such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Chris Richards and Folarin Balogun remain core to the squad, while Berhalter expressed joy over Sebastian, the Whitecaps midfielder, joining his father in the squad. He said seeing a son play at a home World Cup feels like a dream come true, underscoring soccer’s legacy.

Berhalter linked the 1994 World Cup legacy to today’s MLS investment, noting that owner spending on stadiums, training grounds and youth programs has propelled the sport forward. He added that attracting figures like Lionel Messi has raised MLS’s profile, and that continued talent development will keep the U.S. on a progressive trajectory in international football.