United States coach Mauricio Pochettino and his squad continued on field preparations Thursday for what is expected to be difficult World Cup opener against Paraguay.
The US begin their World Cup campaign at Los Angeles Stadium in Group D, carrying the expectations that come with playing on home soil and with a squad Pochettino said has arrived in strong physical, tactical and emotional condition.
Pochettino, appointed in 2024 to lead the US into a home World Cup, said he was encouraged by the team’s growth in the months leading into the tournament, particularly in their final two warm-up matches — a 3-2 win over Senegal and a narrow 2-1 defeat by Germany.
Pochettino said all 26 players were available for selection, including defender Chris Richards, who had been working his way back from an ankle injury.
One decision Pochettino has already made is who will start in goal, though he declined to reveal whether Matt Turner or Matt Freese would get the nod.
