Sophia
In a candid and revealing moment, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino has issued a heartfelt plea to American soccer fans, urging them to rally behind the national team. His call comes in the wake of a disheartening 2-0 loss to South Korea in New Jersey, a match where the home side was significantly outnumbered by a fervent pro-Korean crowd.
A Stark Contrast: College Football vs. USMNT Matches
Pochettino, fresh from experiencing the electrifying atmosphere of an Ohio State vs. Texas college football game, expressed his desire to see a similar passion ignite at USMNT fixtures. “Please come more [to the games],” Pochettino implored after the defeat, which marked the USMNT’s seventh loss in their last eight matches against top-30 opponents.
The Argentine coach’s vision for American soccer is clearly influenced by the spectacle of college sports, where fan engagement is legendary. He dreams of replicating that intensity as the nation prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup.
The Home Field Disadvantage
The scene at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday was a familiar one for the USMNT. Despite playing on home soil, the majority of the capacity crowd roared for South Korea, with every touch from LAFC superstar Son Heung-min met with thunderous applause. South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo even acknowledged the overwhelming support, stating, “It was like a home match. I appreciate the fans.”
This trend is not new. Whether it’s the Concacaf Gold Cup or Nations League, USMNT home matches frequently see opposing fan bases, particularly those of Mexico, dominating the stands. This phenomenon was evident at the 2025 Gold Cup, co-hosted by the United States and Canada.
overwhelmingly a pro-Korea crowd in Jersey pic.twitter.com/xOgyr7tje6
— Henry Bushnell (@HenryBushnell) September 6, 2025
Patience Wears Thin: A History of Pleas
Pochettino’s recent plea isn’t his first. Following the USMNT’s losses to Panama and Canada in the Concacaf Nations League in March, where players were booed off the pitch, he urged fans to exercise patience. “I don’t want that the people feel pessimistic,” he stated then, a sentiment echoed after further boos from Guatemalan and Mexican supporters at the Gold Cup.
The coach remains optimistic about the team’s potential, despite the recent struggles. “My message to the fans is that we’re going to arrive at the World Cup in the best condition and we’re going to be difficult to defeat,” he promised, emphasizing the team’s commitment to improvement.
The World Cup Dream: A Call to Action
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Pochettino sees this as a crucial period for the USMNT to build a strong home advantage. “The fans have one year to realize how important fans are in soccer,” he remarked, highlighting the opportunity to convert fans of other sports, particularly American football, into passionate soccer supporters.
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino is ‘jealous’ of college football atmospheres — and wants to see the same at USMNT games, after going to the Ohio State vs. Texas game.
“For me, it was a massive surprise. I’m 53. It’s difficult to have this type of surprise. But to live the… pic.twitter.com/2qeaT70yWw
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) September 6, 2025
While the dream of packed stadiums echoing college game-day fervor is ambitious, Pochettino believes it’s attainable. He acknowledges the challenges, including ticket prices and the diverse sporting landscape in the U.S., but remains steadfast in his conviction that fan support is paramount. “We need the people. We need the fans,” he reiterated. “Football without fans? It’s impossible.”
Looking Ahead: A Formative Moment
The upcoming World Cup represents a unique opportunity for soccer to solidify its place in the American sporting consciousness. Pochettino sees this as a formative moment, a chance for fans to embrace the project and, in turn, inspire improved performances on the pitch. The coach’s passionate appeal underscores the critical role that home support plays in the team’s journey towards success.
For more insights into the USMNT’s journey and Pochettino’s strategies, read the latest USMNT news, reaction, and analysis.
