The overlap between the 2025 Club World Cup and the Gold Cup presents a major challenge for teams like the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Panama. Many of their top players will be tied up with their clubs, forcing national squads to adapt quickly and compete without key talent.
Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the United States Men’s National Team, took part in the 2025 Gold Cup Media Day and shared several insights on the team’s current state, the international calendar, and the challenges ahead. One of the main topics discussed was the impact of the new Club World Cup, which will take place at the same time as the Concacaf tournament.
“The Club World Cup doesn’t benefit any national team. But we understand how the business of football works, and it’s up to us to minimize the damage that can come from overlapping competitions,” said the Argentine coach in a firm tone.
He added, “This is a situation that forces teams like the U.S., Mexico, Canada, or Panama—whose best players are involved in the Club World Cup—to manage without players who would normally be with us.”
Looking ahead to the Gold Cup, where the USMNT will make its debut on June 15 against Trinidad and Tobago, sharing the group with Saudi Arabia and Haiti, Pochettino highlighted the importance of the moment:
“I think it’s a great opportunity to be together for an extended period, and that’s going to be very helpful for us.” He continued, “This is also a good chance to work with the players we already know and with some who haven’t been able to join us due to injuries or other reasons.”
Nations League setback, Goalkeeper competition, and the 2026 World Cup
Regarding the recent semifinal loss in the Concacaf Nations League to Panama—and the subsequent defeat in the third-place match against Canada—Pochettino was self-critical but remained hopeful:
“Even in defeat, I think there are many positives we can take away.”
Another major topic was the competition for the goalkeeper position. The lack of playing time for Matt Turner at Crystal Palace sparked debate.
“That position is wide open in our minds. It’s open for someone else to step in and challenge,” Pochettino explained. “It’s true that Matt’s not playing, and we spoke with him to make it clear that, looking toward the future—within a year—he needs to find a way to compete week in, week out.”
Finally, the coach addressed the biggest goal of this cycle: the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
“We’re going to host the World Cup, and it’s always important to win and build our identity so we can arrive in the best possible shape for that tournament.”
