The USMNT won 2-0 against a heavily rotated Japan, with Alex Zendejas and Folarin Balogun scoring in each half

The countdown to the World Cup is on, and with just a few months to go, every decision surrounding the U.S. Men’s National Team is under the microscope. Fans are dissecting player performances, debating who deserves a spot on the final roster, and dreaming of the deepest possible run on the world’s biggest stage.

As one of the co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup gears up for the rapidly impending tournament, Pochettino recalled Pulisic to his squad for a pair of friendlies against South Korea and Japan. The Milan winger started both matches and, after initially sidestepping his media duties this month, insisted that he had a “good” relationship with Pochettino.

Pregame, midfielder Tyler Adams told the broadcast that the team needed a win, and win the Americans did. The victory over Japan, the No. 17 team in the FIFA rankings, breaks a tough streak of losses against top-25 teams.

Under intense media examination when he coached Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, Pochettino said his wife told him not to get so perturbed by American media, which pays far less attention to soccer than in Europe.

USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino was mentioned by Sky Sports as a person of interest for Nottingham Forest, before the club elected to hire another former Spurs man, Ange Postecoglou, instead.

The two Argentine managers were former teammates, and after coaching Mexico and in MLS, Martino gives his observations to The Athletic

Christian Pulisic downplays any controversy with U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, saying their relationship is good.

Tuesday's friendly against Japan is less about the result and more about the U.S. men's national team's search for conviction.