Pochettino Fires Back at Critics and Defends His Entire Squad After Dominant Win Over Uruguay

Image: USMNT via X

Mauricio Pochettino delivered a powerful message after the USMNT’s 5–1 win over Uruguay. The Argentine coach made it clear that in his national team, it doesn’t matter what league a player comes from — what matters is performance and effort. He said this after a match where the United States looked confident, flexible, and in total control, even with a lineup full of changes.

Pochettino made nine adjustments from the previous game against Paraguay, but his team still dominated. Alex Freeman scored the first two goals of his senior national team career, Sebastian Berhalter opened the scoring with a brilliant finish, and Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann rounded out the blowout in Tampa. Stars from the weekend — Folarin Balogun, Giovanni Reyna, and Max Arfsten — had also stood out in earlier matches.

Pochettino stressed that every player on the roster deserves respect. “It’s very disrespectful to talk like that. You have to give credit to all the guys. What I really value is how the team is starting to connect. That’s the most important thing,” he said.

The U.S. controlled the match from the first half and never let go. Uruguay scored just before halftime, but this still became their toughest defeat of the Bielsa era and the first time they allowed four or more goals since 2021. Even Pochettino’s substitutions made an impact, with Reyna assisting Tessmann for his first-ever international goal.

USA ends the year confident and focused on 2026

The United States picked up their 11th win of the year and recorded their biggest goal difference ever against a Conmebol opponent. The team showed tactical variety, squad depth, and collective growth as the World Cup roster deadline gets closer.

Their next challenge comes in March — the final international window before the World Cup squad is announced. Portugal is expected to be one of the opponents, while the second is still pending. It will be the last chance for players to prove themselves.

Pochettino ended the year satisfied. He sees clear progress in the project but insists the team must keep the same mentality and continue raising their level heading into 2026. The U.S. closes out 2025 with a strong statement: they’re competing, improving, and gaining confidence on the road to their World Cup.