27.06.2026 12:34
U.S. Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino reminded that they topped the group after a 3-2 loss to Turkey. "It feels like we're going home and Turkey is staying in the tournament," said Pochettino, adding that no one congratulated them despite finishing first in a difficult group.
In the third and final match of Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the USA lost 3-2 to Turkey. After the match, USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino spoke at a press conference.
"WE FINISHED FIRST IN THIS GROUP"
Pochettino stated that despite the defeat, they achieved their goals, saying, "We must not forget, we finished first in this group. We managed all expectations in this group well. Before coming to the World Cup, our aim was to get here, then to finish first in the group, and we accomplished that."
"AS IF WE WERE GOING HOME"
Pochettino, saying he couldn't understand the atmosphere following the defeat against Turkey, said, "Turkey is leaving the tournament, am I misunderstanding this, but there's an atmosphere as if we are going home and Turkey is staying in the tournament, I don't understand this."
"NO ONE CONGRATULATED US"
The experienced coach emphasized that they finished top of a difficult group, stating, "No one has congratulated us so far for finishing first in a tough group. I congratulate the players, staff, and fans. We came out on top in a very hard group."
"TO GO DOWN IN HISTORY, YOU NEED TO WIN THE WORLD CUP"
Pochettino noted that winning three matches is not the important thing, but advancing in the tournament is, saying, "To go down in history, you don't need to win three matches, you need to win the World Cup. What matters is advancing to the next stage. We played well, but Turkey got three points."