Mauricio Pochettino has dismissed the United States’ poor record against European opposition, insisting it will count for little when his side face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup last-32 on Wednesday.
The United States have lost their last 10 matches against European teams, with their winless run stretching back five years. Despite that record, the tournament co-hosts head into the tie in San Francisco as favourites.
Pochettino, who took charge of the United States in 2024 after coaching in Spain, France and England, rejected the suggestion his team struggle against European sides.
“I don’t believe that. Maybe it’s pure coincidence,” Pochettino told reporters.
“Tomorrow we have a good opportunity to fight against the history, not only against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but against the past five years.
“It’s another challenge for us.”
The United States’ last victory over European opposition came in a friendly against Bosnia in 2021.
Since drawing 0-0 with England at the last World Cup, the Americans have lost to the Netherlands, Serbia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Belgium and Portugal. They have also suffered two defeats each against Germany and Turkey.
Several of those matches came in friendlies as the United States chose to test themselves against leading European nations before hosting the World Cup.
The preparations appear to have helped.
The United States opened the tournament with convincing wins over Paraguay and Australia before losing their final group match to Turkey. Pochettino rested several first-team players after qualification had already been secured.
Christian Pulisic is also available to start after returning from injury. The forward came off the bench against Turkey and has regained full fitness.
The United States are 46 places above Bosnia and Herzegovina in the latest FIFA rankings.
Bosnia reached the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time after finishing third in Group B. Their victory over Qatar secured their place in the last 32.
Pochettino, however, rejected the idea that his side should be expected to progress.
“First of all, I don’t believe that we are the favourite team,” he said.
The Argentine pointed to Germany and the Netherlands crashing out of the tournament and Brazil’s narrow victory over Japan as proof that reputations count for little.
“We need to be careful when we say one team is favourite and another is not.
“I understand maybe because we are the USA, we are hosting the World Cup and we have the fans behind us. But we have full respect for Bosnia.”
Bosnia coach Sergej Barbarez accepted his side would start as underdogs but insisted they would not be intimidated.
“Of course, they are favourites,” Barbarez said.
“They are the hosts. They are higher in the rankings and they have outstanding players.
“But we have never had a problem with being the underdog.”
