GOAL US writers discuss Mauricio Pochettino and USMNT's chances, positional concerns and key competitors
So, this is where it really counts, right? Mauricio Pochettino has been USMNT manager for six months, and after a series of friendlies, these games mean something. It's the CONCACAF Nations League final and there's a trophy to be lifted at the end of it.
The USMNT have done that every time – winning each of the first three editions of the tournament – and if they fail to do so again, might just end up being victims of their own success.
But this seems like a trickier prospect. Canada are good now, with Jesse Marsch at the helm of a solid setup – one that made it to a Copa America semifinal less than 12 months ago. Mexico, too, are finding some form after years in the wilderness. The USMNT are still the strongest team in the region, but success isn't guaranteed by any means.
And the U.S. has a striker problem, thanks to a number of injuries. There are also question marks at goalkeeper and center back. And with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Pochettino will be looking for answers. The USMNT play Panama in the semifinals Thursday night in Los Angeles, and should they prevail, would face the winner of Canada-Mexico in the final on Sunday.
It all makes for intriguing discussion, and GOAL US writers break it down in a Nations League edition of… The Rondo.
USA Today Sports Who is the favorite to win the Nations League trophy?
Tom Hindle: It be the USMNT – especially if they're supposed to be competitive in the World Cup. But given the injury situation and the fact that they are still adjusting to life under a new manager, there are no guarantees. The winner of the Mexico-Canada game will be a really tough prospect. Wouldn't be surprised at all if Jesse Marsch's do the thing.
Jacob Schneider: The U.S. or Canada seem the most capable. Marsch has done an incredible job with and there are zero doubts that they can beat both the USMNT and Mexico. However, from a sheer star power perspective, and being reigning champions for three years running, the U.S. has the upper hand.
Alex Labidou: On paper, it has to be the U.S. Out of the four semifinalists, the Americans have the most players on club teams in Europe – and big clubs, too. Yet, how they handle the pressure, especially with key names out, will be intriguing.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWhich team is under the most pressure?
TH: The USMNT, and it's not really close. Canada are still team underdog, while Mexico are going through a down period. Panama, respectfully, are in the "happy to be here" realm of things. There's a lot of big game being talked from the U.S. perspective. Time to back it up, lads.
JS: Mexico, for sure. They can't seem to lock in on a manager in recent years, and they haven't found a best XI since the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Both Raul Jimenez and Santiago Gimenez are in form, and it's down to getting the most out of each of them – while maximizing the talent everywhere else on the pitch.
AL: Again, it's got to be the U.S. This is why Pochettino is paid the big bucks – and its worth noting that his record in cup match situations isn't ideal (granted, some of those losses were with Tottenham, who were typically underdogs, or with a young Chelsea team). If the U.S. loses at any stage of this tournament, legitimate questions will be raised about the Argentine and this team.
Getty Images SportWhich team stands to gain the most?
TH: Mexico. It's been a rough period for , and expectations are always, always, always high. For the USMNT, it seems a case of having to win – anything less would be an immense failure. Canada are still "on the come up" as the cool kids say. A Mexico win would mark a real return to form for a team that should be towards the top of world football.
JS: Likely Canada. It would be Jesse Marsch's first trophy at the helm, and a real statement performance from the former U.S. international. If they can claim victory, it will set them up nicely ahead of the Gold Cup this summer and the World Cup next summer.
AL: Canada. Listen, odds are Marsch's Reds aren't going to win the World Cup. No one from CONCACAF is likely to do so. So the Nations League Finals presents Marsch and Co. with a real chance of bringing home something tangible to a growing and passionate Canada Soccer fanbase. Factoring in Marsch's recent comments on the frayed political relationship between the U.S. and Canada, it seems as if Canada could be out to make a statement.
Getty Images SportWhich U.S. player desperately needs a strong showing?
TH: Josh Sargent. You've scored goals in the Championship. Now do it when it counts, buddy.
JS: No player in particular, but the goalkeeper pool as a whole. We still have no clue who the starting goalkeeper is for 2026, and now Zack Steffen seems to have joined Patrick Schulte and Matt Turner in the running. Whichever player starts in the Nations League this week is likely the '26 starter – but nothing is certain.
AL: The temptation is to go with Christian Pulisic – he's the face of this team and a subpar performance could be make or break for the Americans. Yet, his ticket to 2026 is assured. So let's go with Sargent, a player who has been dominant for Norwich, but hasn't translated his goal-record to any other stop – ranging from the Bundesliga to his brief time in the Premier League or the national team. If Sargent proves he's capable of scoring at this level, he could effectively end the race to be the third striker in Pochettino's team. If he doesn't perform well, it will be wide open after Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi return from injury.
