World Cup 2026: Pochettino hails USA display after Australia win secures knockout qualification

United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino praised his players and supporters after the Americans defeated Australia 2-0 to secure their place in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Playing in front of a passionate home crowd in Seattle, the USA produced another impressive performance to maintain their perfect start in Group D. The victory, combined with results elsewhere, ensured the co-hosts advanced to the knockout stage with a game to spare.

Speaking to FOX Sports’ Jenny Taft after the match, Pochettino highlighted both the quality of his team’s display and the challenge posed by Australia.

“I think it was a fantastic game,” Pochettino said.

“Very good first half… A very tough team when the draw happened in December, I thought this would be really difficult. Really, really tough game. I seen the way we played was amazing.”

The United States controlled possession for long periods and rarely looked troubled as they recorded a second consecutive World Cup victory. Australia struggled to create clear opportunities, while the American defence secured its first clean sheet in nine matches.

The breakthrough came when Australian defender Cameron Burgess turned the ball into his own net under pressure, before defender Alex Freeman doubled the advantage with a header before halftime. The Americans comfortably managed the second half to secure all three points.

Pochettino also reserved special praise for the supporters, who created one of the loudest atmospheres of the tournament so far. Chants of “Poch-e-ttino” echoed around Seattle Stadium after the final whistle, with the Argentine visibly moved by the reception.

“We have amazing fans, and I think we are matching Argentina,” he said.

“It’s amazing, our fans. So happy for them.”

The comparison to Argentina’s famously passionate supporters underlined the growing connection between the team and the home crowd. Following the victory, players and fans celebrated together as optimism continued to build around the USMNT’s World Cup campaign.

The win also carried historical significance. It marked only the second time the United States have won their first two group-stage matches at a World Cup, the previous occasion coming at the inaugural tournament in 1930.

With qualification already secured, attention now turns to the final group match and the challenges that await in the knockout rounds. However, Pochettino has urged his players not to lose focus despite their impressive start.

The former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain manager believes the team must continue to believe in itself while maintaining the intensity that has carried them through their opening two matches.

For now, though, the United States are enjoying a dream start to their home World Cup, with two wins, a place in the Round of 32, and growing belief that they could make a deep run in the tournament.