Pochettino: Gold Cup Final Lays Ideal Foundation for Next Year’s World Cup Hosting

The coach of the United States, Mauricio Pochettino, is keen to gauge his team’s performance against Mexico in the Gold Cup final this Sunday. He believes this could be the last opportunity for his squad to experience genuine pressure before the FIFA World Cup next year.

Both the US and Mexico have avoided the arduous World Cup qualifying rounds that typically prepare teams for the tournament’s intensity, as both nations have already secured their spots as hosts.

Following the final, the US will face South Korea and Japan in a couple of international friendlies scheduled for September.

“It’s beneficial for us. I think it’s likely to be the last match we play under significant pressure, and experiencing that is essential for the team,” Pochettino expressed to the media on Saturday.

“Since we are already qualified for the World Cup, the matches we play afterwards will primarily be friendlies. Those games won’t carry the same weight, so it’s vital to encounter not a significantly challenging scenario, but to feel the pressure and stress.”

“The World Cup will hinge on our ability to cope with pressure and stress, so having this opportunity is fantastic.”

The Gold Cup final is set to unfold at NRG Stadium in Houston, located just a short drive from central Texas, a region currently mourning at least 43 casualties, including 15 children, from recent flash floods.

Pochettino commenced his press briefing with a heartfelt message for the victims, stating: “Firstly, I want to extend our thoughts to the people of Texas during this tragic situation, especially to those impacted.”

“We stand in solidarity with all the families affected by the flooding.”