The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the perfect opportunity for 'soccer' to finally become a mainstream sport in the United States, but a successful tournament is essential for that to happen, which is why US Soccer went big and hired Mauricio Pochettino as head coach.Renowned for his ability to develop young players, Pochettino was seen as the ideal candidate, given that the United States has a youthful squad full of potential but has lacked direction in recent years. Pochettino's tenure hasn't been flawless so far, but his legacy hinges on the World Cup.The United States is hosting the World Cup for the first time since 1994, when they won just one match during the tournament. Failure to better that total would be a complete disaster for the host nation, but Pochettino boldly claimed to President Donald Trump that the United States has a chance to win it all.A bizarre FIFA World Cup draw in December saw the United States land a favourable group, being drawn alongside Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey. The United States has faced all three teams during Pochettino's tenure, winning two but suffering a 2-1 home loss to Turkey.‌If the United States can repeat that under Pochettino, they'll qualify for the knockout stages with ease. That hasn't been much of a problem in recent tournaments, but the United States always seems to struggle when entering the knockout phases.The furthest that the United States have reached in the modern format is the quarterfinals in 2002, as although they came third way back in 1930, only 13 nations participated. Pochettino has an immense task on his hands, and things haven't been made easy for him in the build-up to the World Cup.Pochettino faced more criticism on Monday for emailing every player instead of phoning them as he cut his 55-man long list into a squad of 26, saying: "I care. Do you know why I care? Because during [the last] two weeks I didn't sleep."If I call, it's about myself. I say, ‘Oh, I call, I am very human about calling and then giving an explanation.’ Come on, that is b*******.”‌Mauricio Pochettino goes on rant defending decision to cut USA players via emailMauricio Pochettino's controversial USMNT World Cup roster selections confirmedStyle of play under PochettinoEuropean fans are used to seeing Pochettino adopt a high-intensity approach, with a heavy emphasis on attack and allowing fullbacks to push forward while deep midfield players cover their tracks. His entertaining style earned him adoration at Tottenham Hotspur and led to roles with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.That same philosophy has been imposed on the United States, with an aggressive press and emphasis on forcing turnovers in the midfield. Pochettino has experimented too, playing three at the back despite the defence being one of the weaknesses in the team.When in possession, the United States uses a modern 3-4-2-1 formation with wing-backs flying up the channels and delivering crosses into the box. Without the ball, the formation transitions into a 4-2-3-1, though it has taken some getting used to.‌However, the United States has battled injuries to key defenders and midfielders since Pochettino was hired, meaning he hasn't had many opportunities to field his best team and perfect his tactics. That same problem lingers ahead of the World Cup, which could lead to a bold change.It remains to be seen whether the United States will be able to field three healthy, capable centre-backs, and there is also a lack of depth in central midfield. This could force Pochettino to scrap the three-back formation at short notice, but that's not his only concern.Content cannot be displayed without consent‌Christian Pulisic concernsChristian Pulisic is seen as the leader and the catalyst for the United States, and adored across the nation similar to how David Beckham was idolised in an England shirt. Football fans are well aware of Pulisic's talents that saw him earn a move to Chelsea after starring for Borussia Dortmund.Pulisic is currently playing at AC Milan and has become one of the key attackers in the side, at least until 2026 rolled around. After making a fast start in Serie A with eight goals in 11 appearances, Pulisic has just two goal contributions in 18 league games, both assists.The 27-year-old hasn't scored this calendar year and is navigating the worst goal drought of his professional career. To make matters worse, he hasn't scored a goal for his nation since 2024.‌Pulisic controversially skipped the Gold Cup last year, prompting extreme backlash from USA legends Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan. The United States lost to arch-rivals Mexico in the final, and Pulisic's absence damaged his image.For the United States to succeed at the World Cup, it's imperative that Pulisic is firing and is a key figure in the attack. Pulisic scored his only World Cup goal in a 1-0 win over Iran four years ago, but he will need to do a lot more this summer to get the fans back on his side.Pochettino's bold expectationsNo one is expecting the United States to win the World Cup, not even Pochettino, who has sought inspiration from South Korea and Morocco. Both nations went on unexpected runs to the semifinals in 2002 and 2026, respectively, and Pochettino believes that should be the goal.‌"Because it's all about belief. Look at Morocco in Qatar, it's all about belief. Or South Korea in Japan. I think there are plenty of examples," Pochettino said.Pochettino also revealed that he was asked by President Trump at the FIFA World Cup draw whether the United States had a chance of becoming champions. "Of course," the head coach said, though he has yet to confirm whether there is any genuine belief behind that statement.Should the United States win the group, they could face either Senegal or Norway, though other third-place teams are also in the mix. Finishing second could lead to a showdown against Egypt or Belgium, and they'll be keen to avoid the latter.‌The United States arranged competitive friendlies in March against Belgium and Portugal as a trial run for a potential high-profile knockout tie, something that has haunted them for decades. However, they were humiliated 5-2 by Belgium, and while a 2-0 loss to Portugal was more encouraging, the difference in quality was vast.Players to watch for the host nationPulisic will, of course, be one of the main players to watch, but the United States has several stars well known across Europe who all play valuable roles in the team.Tyler Adams - A crucial part of the midfield for AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League, Adams is an essential piece of the puzzle for Pochettino. Tasked with forcing turnovers and always looking to play the ball forward in the heart of midfield, Adams also brings a calming but physical presence in a key position.Weston McKennie - In recent months, McKennie has become a crucial player for Juventus and is close to surpassing Pulisic as one of the most talented players from the United States. While he often plays in midfield or out wide, his versatility has also led him to play at full-back and even as a central striker.‌Folarin Balogun - After leaving Arsenal in 2023, Balogun has become one of the most prolific strikers in France with 13 goals in Ligue 1 this season. Balogun also netted five goals in the Champions League and is in the form of his life heading into the World Cup.Injury crisisThe United States will be without star midfielder Johnny Cardoso at the World Cup, after he suffered an injury shortly after appearing for Atletico Madrid in both legs of the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal. Cardoso has undergone surgery and will miss the World Cup.Cardoso was seen as the ideal partner to Adams in the midfield, but Pochettino will be forced to reshuffle his plans for the World Cup. While not a regular starter, alternate striker Patrick Agyemang also suffered a heartbreaking injury right at the end of Derby County's season.Agyemang is a strong, powerful forward who can also play out wide and offers a different threat to fellow United States forwards Balogun and Ricardo Pepi. Pochettino called up Agyemang in the last international break, and he scored in a 5-2 loss to Belgium, but he is out until 2027 with a torn Achilles tendon.‌The end of the Premier League season has also led to concerns about Chris Richards and Brendon Aaronson. Richards suffered an ankle injury when playing for Crystal Palace in a 2-2 draw against Brentford, and has dealt with lingering issues this season.He is expected to be fit for the World Cup, but Aaronson is also a concern. Both have made Pochettino's 26-man squad.Will the pressure be too much?The United States was awarded the 2026 World Cup back in 2018, but the nation has invested heavily in soccer over the past decade, and it's all led to this moment. The pressure of hosting the competition is already overwhelming, but FIFA hasn't helped the United States ahead of the World Cup.‌Exorbitant ticket prices and inflated public transport costs have sparked hostility nationwide, further raising expectations. It would be a disappointment for the fans if the United States were to lose a group game, but as they face paying several thousand dollars for a single ticket, anything but success won't be tolerated.While the United States is a passionate sporting nation, fans have been labeled 'bandwagon' supporters for less mainstream sports. Die-hards surround American football, basketball, baseball, and hockey, but interest in football always peaks when the United States are playing well.An early exit from the tournament could be damning across the country, leading to millions losing interest and leaving only the core football fans invested. With a population of 340 million and Trump's expected attendance at several games, the spotlight will be well and truly on the host nation.‌Pochettino must ensure that the outside noise is blocked from the team facility, and the players will be responsible for giving their all when representing the stars and stripes. There isn't just pressure to perform this summer; there's an expectation that the World Cup performance could inspire a soccer revolution.Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!