The USMNT suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals, raising serious concerns about their progress under head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The loss, which came in second-half stoppage time, was a crushing blow for a squad expected to defend their title.
As they now prepare for a third-place showdown against Canada, Pochettino has made it clear—he expects more from his players, including star forward Christian Pulisic.
The disappointment at SoFi Stadium left fans and analysts questioning the team’s identity. Despite dominating possession and taking 12 shots, the U.S. failed to generate a real attacking threat. Panama’s disciplined defensive approach frustrated them throughout the night, and a late strike from Cecilio Waterman sealed the Americans’ fate.
Speaking ahead of the third-place match, Pochettino didn’t mince words. He called for his squad to show mental resilience and prove they can handle pressure. “I think what we want to see is the same focus and concentration and mental level in every single game, official (competition) or no official competition,” he told reporters, per Jeff Carlisle of ESPN. “And for me, [Sunday] is going to be a game, an important game to see how we react. We need to show character … It’s not only about the result but it’s also about [improving] our performance.”
For the Argentine boss, the clash against Canada is about more than just securing a consolation prize. He sees it as a crucial test of the team’s mentality, an opportunity for the players to prove they can bounce back from adversity.
What did Pochettino say about Pulisic’s underwhelming display?
While the team as a whole struggled against Panama, Christian Pulisic’s performance stood out for all the wrong reasons. The Milan winger was largely ineffective, registering just one shot throughout the match. Given his reputation as the squad’s most impactful attacker, his lack of influence raised eyebrows.
Pochettino acknowledged the 26-year-old’s struggles but defended his star, emphasizing the pressures he has been under in recent months. “It’s not [an] excuse, but a player like him is under pressure in the last few months, high pressure,” Pochettino said in his pre-match remarks. “For sure, that is not the Christian we want to see because I think he can do much better.”
However, the former Premier League coach remains confident that Pulisic will rediscover his best form when it matters most. “If we are thinking to the main objective, that is the World Cup, and no doubt Christian is going to be ready and is going to be at his best… for us.”
