Mauricio Pochettino goes full country prepping for USA-Turkey match

The USMNT is 2-0 in the World Cup 2026 Group Stage after wins over Paraguay and Australia. Now, Mauricio Pochettino’s USA crew is getting ready for Turkey, even though they’ve already clinched first place in Group. D. With the Knockout Stage guaranteed, the manager is feeling “American vibes.”

Two days before the USA-Turkey matchup, Pochettino posted a shot on his Instagram of watching game film in his office. On his desk, though, was his laptop, which was playing Good Horses by country star Lainey Wilson (featuring Miranda Lambert). Poch captioned the post “Training Prep with american vibes @laineywilson”

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino listening to Lainey Wilson.

We're going all the way pic.twitter.com/vFDQ2q8PqS

— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) June 23, 2026

This is the best start ever for the USMNT in the modern World Cup. The only other time the group started the tournament 2-0 was in the inaugural World Cup in 1930, when they won their three-team group by starting 2-0 and advancing directly to the semifinals, where they lost to Argentina 6-1.

Argentinian manager Mauricio Pochettino now looks to lead the USA to its best-ever start with a win over Turkey. While the country music during prep suggests a laid-back approach, it’s yet to be seen how the veteran manager approaches this relatively meaningless game.

Will Poch rest most of his starters even though that means a 12-day layoff? Or will he get his normal starters on the pitch to keep them sharp for the Knockout Stage, even if that means slightly more tired legs on July 1, when the USMNT takes on a third-place squad?

Either way, Pochettino is fully embracing his American adventure, and with the unprecedented success he’s having at the 2026 World Cup, America is embracing him right back.

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