With the USMNT eyeing the next World Cup, Tyler Adams hails Mauricio Pochettino’s influence, saying the Argentine has lifted his play to a new tier since arriving in late 2024. Can you sense the change?
From the fall‑window camp, Adams expressed he is “extremely grateful” Pochettino chose to stay, sealing a four‑year contract that runs through the 2030 World Cup.
“Always found way to get best version of me”
“[Pochettino’s new contract] is incredibly exciting,” Adams told Andrés Cantor. “When I learned he’d remain, I felt huge relief because this coach has helped me take another step and raise my game.”
“There are phases when progress stalls, yet every chat with him reveals the path to my best self. It’s thrilling because I now see the chance to advance further,” he added.
“A father, a brother”
Adams, who has earned 60 caps since debuting in 2017, noted that Pochettino’s knack for connecting with players echoes throughout the squad.
“He’s just such a relatable human being,” the 27‑year‑old said. “Beyond coach, he’s a father, a brother—mirroring everything we live through. He’s a World‑Cup veteran, football runs in his Argentine veins.”
“The way he communicates with each player, and the personal time he invests, truly matters,” Adams added.
A seasoned campaigner among USMNT starlets
Following a last‑16 finish at this summer’s World Cup, Pochettino has secured two wins in the September‑October FIFA window, introducing several youngsters while shaping the squad for 2030. Adams now shares the top‑cap spot on a roster that opened the cycle with a 4‑1 victory over Peru on September 26, a match that featured 11 debutants. For my money, Pochettino is reshaping US talent.
The Bournemouth midfielder started with three teens against Peru, including 17‑year‑old Cavan Sullivan, who shines for Philadelphia Union. The USMNT’s tally of fall debutants then rose to 12 on September 29 when goalkeeper Brian Schwake entered as a second‑half sub in a 4‑2 friendly win over Chile.
After coming off the bench versus Chile, Adams is being considered for the lineup against Mexico on Saturday, in an exhibition game that could feature yet another youthful newcomer. Unable to feature against Peru and Chile, 20‑year‑old forward Cole Campbell is in contention for his debut against El Tri, as Pochettino eyes his first win over Mexico.
Since Pochettino’s arrival two years ago, the USMNT has met Mexico twice: a 2‑0 friendly defeat in October 2024, followed by a 2‑0 loss in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final in July 2025.
USMNT vs Mexico: kickoff times, how to watch in the U.S.
On Saturday, Oct 3, the United States faces Mexico at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Kickoff is at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. American fans can stream the match live on Peacock, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, Universo, TNT USA, HBO Max and fubo, or follow live‑text on AS USA.
In full – USMNT’s fall friendly schedule and results:
- September 26: USMNT 4-1 Peru, Orlando, FL
- September 29: USMNT 4-2 Chile, St. Louis, MO
- October 3: USMNT vs Mexico, Glendale, AZ
- October 6: USMNT vs Canada, St. Paul, MN
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